Senator John Fetterman defended the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling the operation “appropriate and surgical” and emphasizing that the move aligns with long-standing American policy. Speaking in a Fox News interview, Fetterman highlighted that a $25 million bounty had been placed on Maduro years ago, signaling bipartisan recognition of the threat posed by his regime.

Fetterman responded directly to Democratic critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, who labeled the operation “wildly illegal.” He argued that the military action promotes democracy in Venezuela while countering security risks to the United States and the Western Hemisphere. According to Fetterman, removing Maduro was not an arbitrary decision but a measured response consistent with longstanding U.S. policy objectives.

The senator framed the capture as a necessary step to neutralize Maduro’s leadership of the “Cartel of the Suns,” a military-backed narcotics network accused of funneling billions in cocaine into international markets while exploiting Venezuela’s state resources. Fetterman emphasized that decades of corruption and authoritarian rule had left the Venezuelan people disenfranchised and destabilized the region, justifying decisive intervention.

By citing the $25 million bounty, Fetterman underscored that the operation reflects a policy that predates the current administration and demonstrates bipartisan agreement on the danger Maduro posed. The senator rejected claims that Venezuela’s leadership presents no security threat, framing the operation as both strategically necessary and morally justified to protect regional stability and American interests.

Fetterman’s remarks contribute to the broader debate over the legality and prudence of U.S. military involvement abroad. While critics question the operation under international law, proponents highlight the intelligence-led and precise nature of the intervention, designed to remove a longstanding criminal actor while minimizing civilian harm.