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President Trump visited Fort Bragg on Friday to celebrate U.S. special forces who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a January raid, declaring the operation demonstrated America’s military might to the world.
“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might of the U.S. military is capable of,” Trump told soldiers and their families at one of the world’s largest military installations. “It was so precise, so incredible.”
The president and First Lady Melania Trump met privately with military families before the public event. Trump mentioned plans to award a Medal of Honor to one participant in the Venezuelan operation, describing the forces involved as “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”
During his address, Trump emphasized his commitment to maintaining military readiness. “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite fighting force the world has ever seen,” he said.
The president highlighted the raid’s swift execution, noting, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He stressed that America’s military strength serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries: “Everybody knows it. They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them.”
Trump also referenced his recent decision to send a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, framing it as part of his broader approach to global security. “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe,” he said, adding, “Sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.”
The Fort Bragg event often resembled a campaign rally more than an official presidential visit. Before discussing military matters, Trump invited Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee chair and current Senate candidate in North Carolina, to the stage. Whatley, who has Trump’s endorsement for the November election, thanked the president and suggested he “is giving me an opportunity to represent you.”
This marks Trump’s second visit to Fort Bragg in recent months. He previously spoke there in June at an event commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, though that appearance was overshadowed by partisan remarks about protesters in Los Angeles.
The visit comes as the White House attempts to highlight Trump’s economic policies amid public concerns about affordability. While military achievements dominated his remarks, Trump briefly mentioned how a White House-backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing. Earlier in the day, he celebrated newly released data showing inflation had fallen to a nearly five-year low.
“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t surprising,” Trump told reporters before departing the White House. “We have very modest inflation, which is what you want to have.”
Regarding Venezuela’s future following Maduro’s removal, Trump praised acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez and outlined his administration’s approach to the country’s vast oil resources. Rather than pushing for immediate elections, U.S. policy is focusing on economic reconstruction.
“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump said. “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”
The administration has established broad oversight of Venezuela’s oil industry, including the seizure of tankers, while inviting major energy companies to rebuild the sector that collapsed under Maduro’s rule, potentially creating new opportunities for American businesses while addressing global energy market concerns.
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12 Comments
Interesting to see Trump highlighting the military’s capabilities in this Venezuela operation. I wonder how the details of the raid and the broader situation in Venezuela are being viewed by the public.
The US does have a formidable military force, but the use of it in Venezuela is a complex geopolitical issue. I’m curious to learn more about the rationale and potential consequences of this action.
It’s concerning to see the President boast about America’s military might in this way. Maintaining a strong defense is important, but emphasizing ‘fear’ rather than diplomacy seems concerning.
I agree, the tone of these remarks is quite hawkish. Hopefully the administration is also pursuing diplomatic solutions alongside the military option in Venezuela.
The Venezuela situation is complex, and I appreciate that the US has an important role to play in addressing the humanitarian crisis. However, the President’s combative rhetoric about ‘fear’ is concerning – I hope the administration is pursuing a more nuanced, diplomatic approach as well.
Good point. Maintaining a strong military is important, but the ultimate goal should be a sustainable, peaceful resolution that respects Venezuelan sovereignty and addresses the root causes of the conflict.
I’m not surprised Trump is highlighting this Venezuela operation, given his administration’s aggressive stance on the country. While a capable military is important, I hope the focus remains on supporting the Venezuelan people, not just flexing US power.
Good point. The goal should be a peaceful resolution that addresses the humanitarian crisis and restores democracy in Venezuela, not just a show of force.
As someone interested in geopolitics and national security, I’m curious to learn more details about this Venezuela raid and how it fits into the broader US strategy in the region. Maintaining military readiness is important, but the human impact should also be a key consideration.
Agreed, the military capabilities are notable but the human rights and diplomatic dimensions of the Venezuela situation are equally crucial. I hope the administration is pursuing a comprehensive, nuanced approach.
While the US military is undoubtedly powerful, I’m wary of the President using such forceful, unilateral language about this Venezuela operation. Diplomatic solutions that address the root causes of the crisis should be the priority.
Absolutely, the focus should be on finding a peaceful, multilateral resolution that supports the Venezuelan people, not just a show of American military might.