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Marco Rubio Smashes Through Liberal Venezuela Narratives in Back-to-Back Media Appearances
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Marco Rubio Smashes Through Liberal Venezuela Narratives in Back-to-Back Media Appearances

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s newly sworn-in acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, is not the country’s legitimate leader and made clear that the United States will not support her remaining in power following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Rodríguez, who previously served as Venezuela’s vice president, was sworn in on Saturday after U.S. forces conducted a military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States.

Maduro had ruled Venezuela since 2013 and has been under U.S. indictment on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges since 2020.

Rubio confirmed that he spoke directly with Rodríguez after the operation but emphasized that the Trump administration does not recognize her authority and is instead pushing for a transitional process leading to elections.

“This is not about the legitimate president. We don’t believe that this regime in place is legitimate via an election,” Rubio said during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday.

“And that’s not just us. It’s 60-something countries around the world that have taken that view as well.”

He said the absence of internationally recognized elections remains the central obstacle to U.S. and international acceptance of any successor government tied to the Maduro regime.

“Ultimately, legitimacy for their system of government will come about through a period of transition and real elections,” Rubio said.

The comments followed Maduro’s removal after years of international condemnation over disputed elections, allegations of corruption, and ties to drug trafficking organizations.

The United States and dozens of other countries have long refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s lawful president, citing election irregularities and repression of political opposition.

Rodríguez’s elevation to acting president immediately raised questions about whether the Maduro-era political structure would continue under new leadership.

Rubio’s statements made clear that Washington does not view her swearing-in as a resolution to Venezuela’s political crisis.

In addition to rejecting Rodríguez’s legitimacy, Rubio said the Trump administration plans to use economic pressure to force political reforms in Caracas.

He specifically pointed to the administration’s oil quarantine on Venezuela as a key tool to shape the country’s future.

“I cannot overstate how crippling this is for their future,” Rubio said, referring to the restrictions on Venezuela’s oil industry.

He added that the policy is intended to pressure Venezuelan authorities to move toward democratic reforms while also outlining a potential path forward.

“[And] that, on the other hand, there’s an alternative to that … an oil industry that actually benefits the people,” Rubio said.

Venezuela possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but years of mismanagement, sanctions, and corruption have sharply reduced production and export capacity.

The Trump administration has argued that oil revenue under Maduro was diverted to regime insiders and criminal networks rather than benefiting the Venezuelan population.

Rubio indicated that any easing of U.S. restrictions would be contingent on concrete political changes, including a genuine transition process and internationally monitored elections.

The situation leaves Venezuela in a period of uncertainty as international attention shifts to how leadership will be determined in the aftermath of Maduro’s capture.

While Rodríguez currently holds the title of acting president, the Trump administration’s position signals that Washington will continue to treat Venezuela as a country in transition rather than one with a recognized head of state.

Rubio’s comments also reflect broader coordination with U.S. allies, many of whom have adopted similar positions regarding Venezuela’s leadership and electoral legitimacy.

The Secretary of State stressed that the U.S. stance is not isolated but shared by a wide coalition of nations that have rejected the outcomes of Maduro-era elections.

As Venezuela faces continued economic strain and political instability, Rubio said the administration’s objective remains a transition that leads to what he described as “real elections,” rather than the continuation of leadership drawn from the same governing apparatus that has dominated the country for more than a decade.

Based Newsmax Host Tells Taxpayers How to Stick it to the Tax Man
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Based Newsmax Host Tells Taxpayers How to Stick it to the Tax Man

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Media commentator Carl Higbie said Americans should take direct action against what he described as an unfair tax system by instructing their employers to stop withholding federal taxes from their paychecks, arguing the move would deny the federal government an interest-free loan on workers’ income and force lawmakers to respond.

Higbie made the remarks while outlining what he characterized as a lawful tactic to draw attention to federal taxation policy and congressional inaction.

He said employees who receive a W-2 can ask their human resources departments to halt federal tax withholding and instead set the money aside themselves.

“But here’s what you can do, and this is bold, here’s some, and it’s totally legal, by the way, you get a W-2, right?” Higbie said.

“Go to your HR department on Monday and tell them that you don’t want to withhold any federal taxes from your payroll.”

Higbie cautioned that the taxes would still likely need to be paid later, but argued that withholding them throughout the year benefits the government at taxpayers’ expense.

“Now look, put those in a separate account, because you’re still going to probably have to pay them at the end of the year unless Trump takes my idea and pardons every citizen for not paying taxes in 2026 but you would break the trend of not giving the government an interest free loan on your income for an entire year,” he said.

Higbie said taxpayers could settle their obligations when filing returns rather than allowing the government to hold the funds for months.

“You can just pay it at the end of the year when you do your taxes in April,” he said.

“If a few million productive citizens do that. I bet the Treasury starts panicking, but we get their attention real quick, folks.”

He said his advocacy does not end on air, claiming he actively relays audience feedback to elected officials and senior staff.

“Just so you know, I don’t just like come on here also and talk about this,” Higbie said.

“When I get done with this show for an hour on the train, and when I get home, I’m like, taking clips of what we talked about and showing them your sentiment of the tweets and things that you send me, and I send them directly to congressmen and senators and governors and sometimes even the President’s staff, so they know how we feel.”

Higbie encouraged listeners to amplify their views on social media to force lawmakers to address tax policy directly.

“I feel like a conduit of you, and the more you folks share this stuff, like go on social media and follow me on Instagram and Twitter or X or whatever it’s called, and share this stuff, force them to listen,” he said.

He criticized long-serving lawmakers and called for concrete legislative action, including revisiting constitutional provisions governing federal taxation.

“I’m done supporting empty promises,” Higbie said.

“Let these people who have worked in DC for decades know that it’s time to do real stuff like repeal the 16th Amendment, just like put it up for a vote. Why not get people on the record who is for and against taxing?”

Higbie argued that Congress has failed to deliver results and said transparency on lawmakers’ positions is necessary.

“You just start doing stuff, because this last year has been Congress’s least effective year in my lifetime,” he said.

WATCH:

Communists Rally in Times Square Demanding Narco-Terrorists Dictator Maduro’s Release
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Communists Rally in Times Square Demanding Narco-Terrorists Dictator Maduro’s Release

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Communist and leftist activists gathered in New York City’s Times Square following the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, calling for his release and condemning the American operation that transferred him to the United States to face federal narco-terrorism charges.

The demonstration took place after Maduro was taken into U.S. custody and flown out of Venezuela.

Protesters were seen holding signs reading “Release Maduro” and displaying images of Maduro alongside slogans including “Stand with the Bolivian Revolution.”

Participants waved communist flags and accused the United States of unlawfully detaining the Venezuelan leader.

One protester who addressed the crowd alleged that the United States had “kidnapped” Maduro and argued that the operation was driven by American efforts to gain control over Venezuela’s oil reserves.

A booth set up at the gathering distributed communist literature and recruited supporters opposed to what organizers described as U.S. imperialism.

The protest drew attention not only because of its message but also because of the visible presence of ideological organizing in a major public space.

Observers reported that activists used the event to sign up new members, distribute printed materials, and promote opposition to U.S. foreign policy.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement after news broke of Maduro’s capture, publicly criticizing the U.S. action.

Mamdani described the operation as unlawful and warned of its potential effects on city residents.

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said.

“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”

Mamdani’s comments were circulated widely as the Times Square protest unfolded, drawing attention to differing reactions within New York City to the developments in Venezuela.

At the same time, Venezuelans supporting the Trump administration’s actions were also present in Times Square.

Some were seen confronting left-wing demonstrators advocating for Maduro’s release.

Others expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump for authorizing the operation that led to Maduro’s removal from power and transfer to the United States.

The opposing demonstrations reflected deep divisions within the Venezuelan diaspora and among political activists in the city.

While leftist groups called for Maduro’s release and denounced U.S. involvement, Venezuelan opponents of the regime described the capture as a long-awaited step toward accountability.

Similar scenes of celebration have been reported among Venezuelans in other countries following Maduro’s removal.

Venezuelan communities abroad have publicly marked the development after years of political unrest and economic decline under Maduro’s leadership.

Maduro has been accused by the United States of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization alleged to have funneled large quantities of narcotics into the United States.

U.S. authorities have long maintained that the group operated with the protection of senior Venezuelan officials.

Maduro has been in power since 2013, when he succeeded longtime Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez.

His most recent election has been widely disputed, with multiple countries refusing to recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

International criticism of his government has focused on allegations of election irregularities, political repression, and corruption.

The political and economic crisis in Venezuela has led to one of the largest displacement events in the Western Hemisphere.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, approximately 8 million people have fled Venezuela since 2017 amid ongoing instability and economic collapse.

Soros-Backed Sen Gallego Triggered Over Trump’s Maduro Operation, Hit with DHS Clap Back
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Soros-Backed Sen Gallego Triggered Over Trump’s Maduro Operation, Hit with DHS Clap Back

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Alex Soros-backed U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, who is the son of ‘a convicted felon who trafficked drugs for the Mexican Cartels,’ faced widespread criticism from social media users and a public response from the Department of Homeland Security after weighing in on the Trump administration’s military strikes and ground operations in Venezuela that culminated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro was indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States, according to reporting cited by The Gateway Pundit.

President Donald Trump shared video footage of the strikes, which targeted at least four sites around Caracas, Venezuela.

Following the operation, Trump told reporters Saturday that the United States now controls Venezuela and said he was “going to run the country right,” adding that it would be run “very judiciously, very fairly.”

Gallego reacted sharply after Maduro was arrested and transported out of the country without any reported American casualties. The Arizona senator characterized the operation as “embarrassing” and asserted that the United States was now “at war with Venezuela.”

Rep. Ruben Gallego, who contemplated a run for the U.S. Senate in 2020, campaigns for his one-time potential rival Mark Kelly at Tres Leches Cafe on May 30, 2019.

Gallego condemned the operation as soon as it was announced, describing it as the “second unjustified war in my life time.”

“This war is illegal, it’s embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year,” Gallego said.

“There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.”

Here is Ruben Gallego and Alex Soros with their arms around each other:

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

His remarks drew immediate responses online, including from DHS, which issued a pointed reply highlighting what it described as irony in Democratic criticism of the operation.

“Oh so NOW Democrats are opposed to a Venezuelan criminal entering our country,” DHS wrote in a post on X.

The exchange fueled additional reactions from social media users, many of whom criticized Gallego’s position and questioned his assessment of the operation.

Several posts focused on the nature of the charges against Maduro and the absence of American casualties during the strikes and subsequent ground action.

The backlash also resurfaced past reporting about Gallego’s family history.

Gallego’s father has been convicted of drug trafficking connected to Mexican cartels and was previously arrested in a separate incident involving the battery of a woman after a dispute with a landlord over rent.

According to prior public records, Gallego, who was born Ruben Marinelarena, changed his name in 2008.

As the debate intensified, other public figures joined the discussion.

Roger Stone posted comments attacking Gallego and his family, using inflammatory language directed at Gallego’s wife and asserting that Gallego’s election was rigged.

Stone also claimed that Gallego would eventually end up in prison alongside Maduro.

Stone’s remarks circulated widely online and prompted further criticism and counterattacks across social media platforms.

The controversy unfolded as Democrats and Republicans continued to clash over the scope, legality, and implications of the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela.

While Gallego and other Democrats argued that the operation exceeded U.S. authority and risked escalation, administration officials and supporters pointed to the successful capture of Maduro and the lack of American casualties as evidence of a decisive and controlled operation.

JD Vance Delivers a PSA for Everyone Saying the Maduro Operation Was ‘Illegal’
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JD Vance Delivers a PSA for Everyone Saying the Maduro Operation Was ‘Illegal’

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Nicolás Maduro is now in U.S. custody in New York City, awaiting his first in-person appearance in an American court after U.S. special forces carried out an early-morning operation in Venezuela on Saturday to extract him and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Both were indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple federal charges.

President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the operation publicly Saturday morning, outlining the actions that led to the capture and transfer of the Maduros to the United States.

The White House also released a series of photographs showing senior officials monitoring the operation as it unfolded in real time.

The capture immediately reshaped the political landscape surrounding Venezuela, where questions remain about who will lead the country in the short and long term.

One of the most prominent opposition figures to Maduro’s rule, María Corina Machado, issued remarks after the news broke, stating her view on who should assume the presidency on an interim basis.

However, no definitive leadership transition has yet been announced, and the long-term direction of the Venezuelan government remains unsettled.

While Venezuelan opposition figures and many Venezuelans abroad reacted positively, political reaction in the United States was sharply divided. Several Democratic officials criticized the operation, characterizing it as unlawful and unauthorized.

Among the most vocal critics was newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, who contacted the White House to object to the action.

Members of Congress also issued statements calling the operation “illegal” and labeling it an unauthorized act of war.

Vice President J.D. Vance responded directly to that criticism, defending both the legality and necessity of the operation.

In public remarks following the initial reporting, Vance said the administration had offered Maduro multiple opportunities to avoid the outcome that ultimately occurred.

The Vice President praised the U.S. military’s execution of the mission, stating, “Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation.”

Vance then addressed claims that the operation violated U.S. law, issuing what he described as a public service announcement directed at critics.

“And PSA for everyone saying this was ‘illegal,’” Vance said.

“Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. You don’t get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas.”

Federal court records show that Maduro has been charged in connection with large-scale narcotics trafficking and related offenses, allegations that U.S. officials have cited for years in characterizing his regime as criminal rather than legitimate.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office has made the full list of charges publicly available through the Southern District of New York.

As images from the White House situation room circulated, some observers questioned why Vice President Vance did not appear in photographs released during the operation or attend the President’s public remarks.

Fox News White House correspondent Aishah Hasnie later reported that Vance had met with President Trump earlier Friday in West Palm Beach to discuss the strikes and participated in the operation remotely.

According to the report, Vance was not physically present at Mar-a-Lago during the operation but joined via a secure video connection and returned to Cincinnati after the mission concluded.

Fox News also reported that the White House is limiting the physical co-location of the President and Vice President when they are away from Washington due to heightened security considerations.

The administration has emphasized that the operation was narrowly focused on apprehending an individual already facing U.S. indictments, rather than initiating a broader military campaign.

Officials have stated that Maduro was given multiple opportunities to step aside or resolve his legal exposure through other means before the operation was carried out.

With Maduro now detained in New York, attention is shifting to the upcoming court proceedings and the political consequences inside Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Rubio and other senior officials continue to engage with regional partners as the United States prepares for the next phase following Maduro’s removal from power.

‘Comrade Mamdani’ Has a Big Sad Over Maduro’s Capture, Gets Absolutely Dragged Online
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‘Comrade Mamdani’ Has a Big Sad Over Maduro’s Capture, Gets Absolutely Dragged Online

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing widespread criticism after publicly condemning the U.S. military operation that led to the capture and indictment of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, comments that sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers, conservative commentators, and advocates focused on drug enforcement and national security.

The controversy began Saturday after Mamdani said he had been briefed on what he described as the “U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife,” stating that the pair were expected to be held in federal custody in New York City.

Mamdani criticized the operation as unlawful and warned it could have consequences for city residents.

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani wrote.

He added that his administration was prioritizing the safety of Venezuelans living in New York City and said the city would “continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”

The mayor’s remarks came hours after President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during a U.S. military operation and removed from Venezuela.

The announcement followed a night of explosions reported in Caracas. Maduro has been under U.S. indictment since 2020 on federal narco-terrorism charges.

According to federal prosecutors, Maduro and senior members of his regime coordinated with Colombian drug trafficking organizations to move large quantities of cocaine into the United States.

U.S. authorities have long characterized Maduro as the head of an illegitimate regime linked to transnational criminal networks.

Mamdani’s response prompted immediate criticism from Republican lawmakers in New York and beyond. Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, accused the mayor of sympathizing with a foreign adversary.

“The Marxist Mayor of New York City seems upset that a socialist dictator/narco terrorist is removed from power and will stand trial in New York for his illegal activities that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans,” Lawler wrote, adding, “God help New York.”

Florida Rep. Carlos Giménez, who represents a district with a large Venezuelan exile population and chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, also condemned Mamdani’s statement.

“Wow! The socialist mayor of NYC supporting the murderous, illegitimate narcoterrorist dictator of Venezuela! It’s pathetic, laughable, and highly unfortunate — but unsurprising,” Giménez wrote.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York urged the mayor to consider the scale of Venezuela’s humanitarian collapse before criticizing the U.S. action.

“Before defending a murderous narco terrorist, did it ever cross your mind why 8 million people—nearly equivalent to the population of NYC—fled the Maduro Marxist regime?” Malliotakis wrote.

“Maybe ask some Venezuelan New Yorkers before you bring his failed socialist oppressive policies here.”

Other national figures also weighed in. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas mocked the mayor by referring to him as “Comrade Mamdani.”

Conservative commentator Scott Jennings responded to Mamdani’s remarks by writing, “Guy using al Qaeda’s lawyer has thoughts.”

Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, dismissed the mayor’s comments in a brief post, writing, “Blah blah cry harder.”

Michael Henry, a Republican candidate for New York attorney general, accused Mamdani of ignoring the impact of Venezuelan-linked criminal activity in the city.

“When Tren de Aragua infiltrated and terrorized New Yorkers — including their fellow Venezuelans — you were an absentee Assemblyman,” Henry wrote. “I guess it hurts to see Socialism fail before your own very naive eyes.”

Several critics focused on the broader consequences of Venezuela’s drug trafficking operations.

Author Robert Spencer questioned the mayor’s emphasis on diplomatic concerns over public safety.

“What about the safety and security of New Yorkers whose lives have been destroyed by drugs coming in from Venezuela?” Spencer asked.

Former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee also criticized Mamdani’s stance, writing that he felt sorry for New Yorkers who “elected a mayor who sides with a drug trafficker & ally of Iran & Hezbollah rather than his constituents.”

Critics further pointed to Mamdani’s past statements, including earlier comments suggesting he would support the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York City.

“This is the same guy who said he’d arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he came to NYC,” wrote conservative writer and podcast host Ian Haworth.

The New York Republican Party said the mayor’s remarks reflected a disconnect from the reality facing Venezuelan communities.

“While Mamdani expresses outrage,” the party said, “Venezuelans are celebrating the fall of a brutal dictator and narco-terrorist.”

Maduro’s capture has prompted celebrations among Venezuelan communities worldwide, while Mamdani’s response has intensified scrutiny of his early tenure as mayor and his approach to foreign policy and national security issues affecting the city.

Meanwhile…

NYC Jewelry World Explodes as Viral Brawl Lands Jewelers in Handcuffs
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NYC Jewelry World Explodes as Viral Brawl Lands Jewelers in Handcuffs

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A heated dispute between well-known New York jewelers escalated into a physical altercation Friday, prompting police response and resulting in assault arrests, according to video evidence and statements from law enforcement.

The incident involved Maksud Agadjani, the owner of TraxNYC, and George and Freddy Akay of Akay Diamonds.

Agadjani, who has built a significant online following with more than 3 million followers on Instagram, accused the Akays of using his name to defraud customers, a claim that sparked a public confrontation.

Video posted by Agadjani shows him approaching the Akay Diamonds booth and aggressively confronting one of the men.

In the footage, Agadjani is seen screaming directly into a man’s face, repeatedly calling him a thief while shouting profanities. The video captures a chaotic scene as bystanders gather and attempt to intervene.

At one point, Agadjani appears to be pulled away from the booth by others in the crowd. Moments later, the confrontation resumes.

Another man is seen spitting in Agadjani’s face, which immediately leads to a violent brawl.

The footage shows shoving and punches being thrown as multiple individuals become involved.

Following the incident, Agadjani shared additional videos and images on social media documenting what he said were injuries sustained during the altercation.

In one video, he displayed visible redness on his neck, which he claimed resulted from an attempt by the Akays to strangle him.

He also pointed to a red mark on his head, saying he had been struck during the fight.

Agadjani repeatedly alleged that George and Freddy Akay attempted to kill him.

In another video, he is seen using what appears to be a nebulizer, a device commonly used to treat respiratory conditions, while continuing to accuse the men of wrongdoing and describing the encounter.

The New York Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a report of an assault related to the incident.

According to the NYPD, officers were informed upon arrival that two men had approached an alleged male victim and that a verbal dispute escalated into a physical confrontation.

Police said that two individuals punched the alleged victim with closed fists, causing minor injuries.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that George and Freddy Akay were both arrested on assault charges in connection with the altercation.

Authorities did not release additional details regarding the charges or whether further legal action is expected.

Media outlets reached out to both George and Freddy Akay for comment following the arrests. Freddy Akay declined to comment.

No public statement was immediately available from George Akay.

The incident has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the dramatic footage circulated online.

Agadjani’s large social media presence amplified the reach of the videos, which quickly spread across multiple platforms.

Democrats Melt Down, Side with Narco Terrorist Dictator, and Against the People of Venezuela
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Democrats Melt Down, Side with Narco Terrorist Dictator, and Against the People of Venezuela

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Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s overnight military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, while Republicans largely praised the action that resulted in the capture and federal indictment of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

The U.S. operation marked a major escalation in American involvement in Venezuela and prompted immediate reaction on Capitol Hill.

Democrats argued the President lacked legal authority to carry out the operation and claimed it ran counter to U.S. interests.

Republicans, particularly those representing South Florida’s large Venezuelan exile population, described the development as a historic moment for Venezuela and the broader region.

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who has been reported to have presidential ambitions, condemned the action in an early-morning post on X shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday.

“Second unjustified war in my life time,” Gallego wrote.

“This war is illegal, it’s embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.”

Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey accused senior members of the Trump administration of misleading Congress about the intent of the operation.

Kim specifically named Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in his criticism.

“Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn’t about regime change,” Kim wrote on X.

Kim also claimed the military action endangered Americans in Venezuela and across the region.

A U.S. official told The New York Times that there were no casualties during the operation.

House Democrats echoed similar concerns, with several lawmakers comparing the strike to previous U.S. military actions in Latin America.

The operation appeared to represent the most direct American military intervention in the region since former President George H.W. Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989.

“He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans—but somehow we have unlimited funds for war??” Connecticut Rep. Jim McGovern, the ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, wrote on X.

Republicans responded forcefully in support of the President, particularly those representing Florida districts with significant Venezuelan, Cuban, and Nicaraguan communities.

Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez said he spoke with Rubio following the operation and credited Trump with reshaping the region’s future.

“Thank you, President Donald J. Trump, for changing the course of history in our hemisphere,” Gimenez wrote on X.

“This is a historic day in Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan, Cuban, and Nicaraguan exile communities in the nation.”

Florida Sen. Rick Scott also praised the President’s decision, describing it as a major step forward for regional security.

“A new day is here for Venezuela and Latin America,” Scott wrote on X.

“The United States and our hemisphere are safer because of President Trump’s leadership. God bless America and God bless the people of Venezuela!”

Utah Sen. Mike Lee addressed questions about the legality of the operation, stating that Trump likely had the authority to act under the Constitution.

Lee said he spoke with Rubio about the matter following the seizure of Maduro.

“This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack,” Lee wrote on X.

Lee added that, based on his conversation with Rubio, U.S. military involvement in Venezuela was likely concluded following Maduro’s capture.

The Trump administration has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader who headed a cartel designated as a terrorist organization and accused of trafficking drugs into the United States.

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Maduro oversaw a corrupt government that leveraged state power to facilitate large-scale narcotics operations.

President Trump dismissed Democratic criticism during a Saturday morning interview with Fox News, arguing that the operation served clear national security objectives.

“All they do is complain,” Trump said.

“They should say, ‘You know what. We did a great job.’ We’re stopping drugs from coming into this country and no one’s been able to do it until we came along.”

The political fallout from the operation underscored sharp divisions in Washington over U.S. military authority, foreign intervention, and the administration’s approach to Latin America, even as celebrations erupted among Venezuelan communities following Maduro’s capture.

Both Coaches ‘Lose Their Minds’ in Bizarre Finish to Notre Dame-Cal Basketball Game
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Both Coaches ‘Lose Their Minds’ in Bizarre Finish to Notre Dame-Cal Basketball Game

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A tense and chaotic scene unfolded at the conclusion of Notre Dame’s 72-71 loss to the California Golden Bears, as Fighting Irish head coach Micah Shrewsberry and sophomore guard Cole Certa appeared to pursue an on-court official following a disputed call that decided the game in the final seconds.

The confrontation came immediately after the final buzzer, with players and coaches stepping in to restrain both Shrewsberry and Certa as emotions spilled over.

The incident was captured on the game broadcast, where commentators speculated about the moment that triggered the visible frustration.

“It looked like he was going after one of the officials. My guess? His frustration on the and-one, four-play by Dai Dai Ames,” the broadcaster said.

The game itself was decided in dramatic fashion after a sequence of late plays that swung momentum rapidly.

Notre Dame appeared to have control in the closing seconds when Certa converted a layup to give the Fighting Irish a 67-63 lead.

California responded quickly, narrowing the deficit and setting up a final possession that would ultimately determine the outcome.

On that decisive possession, Cal guard Dai Dai Ames launched a three-pointer.

As the shot fell, a foul was called on Notre Dame, creating a four-point play opportunity that immediately altered the game’s trajectory.

Officials initially reversed the foul call, briefly appearing to nullify the free throw attempt.

However, after further review, the reversal itself was overturned, reinstating the foul and sending Ames to the free throw line.

Ames converted the free throw, giving the Golden Bears the lead.

Notre Dame had one final opportunity to respond, but its last shot attempt fell short, sealing the one-point loss.

As the horn sounded, Certa could be seen walking directly toward one of the officials, while Shrewsberry moved quickly toward the same area of the court.

Teammates and staff intervened, holding both back before the situation escalated further.

The official involved turned briefly to observe the commotion and then exited the court without engaging in any confrontation.

The emotional reaction reflected the significance of the moment for a Notre Dame team that had fought through a tightly contested game and saw its chances undone by a late ruling.

The loss dropped the Fighting Irish to 10-5 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

Certa, who was central to the closing moments of the game, has taken on an expanded role in his second season with the program.

After averaging 8.1 minutes per game last year, he is now playing 20.3 minutes per contest.

Through the current stretch of the season, Certa is averaging nine points and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting 37.9 percent from the field.

Shrewsberry, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2023-24 season, remains in the early stages of his tenure in South Bend.

Across parts of three seasons, he holds a career record of 38-43 and has yet to guide the Fighting Irish to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Saturday’s loss added another close finish to a season that has included several tight contests, though this one stood out for its dramatic ending and the postgame scene that followed.

While no disciplinary action was announced in the immediate aftermath, the confrontation drew attention to the intensity surrounding the disputed call and the pressure of late-game officiating in a one-point contest.

Notre Dame will look to regroup as conference play continues, while the final moments of the loss to Cal are likely to remain a focal point of discussion surrounding officiating decisions and sideline conduct in closely contested college basketball games.

Venezuelan Communities Worldwide Celebrate Historic Arrest of Maduro
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Venezuelan Communities Worldwide Celebrate Historic Arrest of Maduro

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Venezuelans across the globe erupted in celebration Saturday after U.S. forces captured longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and transported him and his wife to the United States to face federal charges, marking a dramatic turning point for a country whose political and economic collapse has driven one of the largest migration crises in recent history.

Celebrations broke out within hours of the operation in cities across the United States, South America, and Europe, as news spread that Maduro had been taken into custody and formally indicted on multiple federal counts.

For many Venezuelans living abroad, the development represented a moment they had waited years to see.

In Doral, Florida — a South Florida city that is home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States — hundreds of people flooded the streets beginning around 4 a.m., gathering outside El Arepazo, a popular Venezuelan restaurant that quickly became the focal point of the celebration.

“Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!” the crowd chanted as they waved Venezuelan flags, banged pots and pans, and embraced one another.

Oriana Spivak celebrates near Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, while President Trump has a press conference about US forces capturing Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas on January 3, 2026.

Videos and photos from the scene showed emotional scenes, with some participants crying, others dancing to Venezuelan music, and several popping champagne bottles as the celebrations continued into the morning.

One woman, speaking to NBC Miami, described the moment as deeply personal and historic.

“I started crying. I’ve seen my dad cry three times in my life: his dad dying, Fidel dying and today…It’s historic,” she said.

Another man credited the United States for the operation and expressed optimism about Venezuela’s future.

“I’m very excited…We are celebrating. Thanks to President Trump and the U.S. military for this perfect operation,” he said.

A third participant summed up his reaction more simply, saying he had “no words” for what he described as a monumental moment.

Similar scenes unfolded overseas.

In Madrid, Spain, and Santiago, Chile, Venezuelans gathered in public spaces, raising Venezuelan flags alongside American flags as they marked the capture of Maduro.

“We are free. We are all happy that the dictatorship has fallen and that we have a free country,” said Khaty Yanez, a Venezuelan woman who has lived in Chile for the past seven years, speaking to Reuters.

“My joy is too big,” said Jose Gregorio, another Venezuelan living in Chile.

“After so many years, after so many struggles, after so much work, today is the day. Today is the day of freedom,” he added.

Maduro’s rule has coincided with a prolonged economic collapse and political repression that triggered a massive exodus from Venezuela.

Since 2018, nearly 8 million Venezuelans — roughly 20 percent of the country’s population — have fled the nation after being unable to afford basic necessities such as food.

According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, approximately 85 percent of those who left settled in neighboring countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Federal prosecutors allege that Maduro presided over what they described as “a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking.”

The indictment accuses Maduro of partnering with “some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world” to move massive quantities of cocaine into the United States.

According to court filings, prosecutors allege that by 2020 Maduro and his associates were responsible for facilitating the trafficking of as much as 250 tons of cocaine into the U.S., using a network that included go-fast vessels, fishing boats, container ships, and aircraft operating from clandestine airstrips.

The capture and indictment of Maduro represent one of the most significant developments involving Venezuela in decades, drawing international attention and emotional reactions from Venezuelans who have lived for years in exile as a result of the country’s turmoil.


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