In a stunning conclusion to his winter holiday, US President Donald Trump authorised an unprecedented military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday. The surprise raid, a significant escalation in US-Venezuela tensions, was launched while Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
A Holiday Marked by Contrasts
According to reports from Reuters, the days leading up to the covert mission presented a stark contrast. President Trump's schedule at his Florida resort blended high-stakes geopolitics with personal and social pursuits. On Thursday night, he was active on his Truth Social platform, posting about Iran, sharing an image of a bald eagle, and declaring his health "PERFECT," with no mention of impending action in Venezuela.
Less than 24 hours before the strike, Trump was photographed inspecting marble and onyx at an Italian stone importer in Lake Worth Beach. The visit, for a proposed new White House ballroom estimated to cost $400 million, saw the presidential limousine in an unusual commercial setting. A White House official stated Trump was purchasing the stone at his personal expense.
Operation Absolute Resolve Unfolds
The military action, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved pre-dawn strikes in Caracas and led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. They now face charges in New York. The operation's legality has been questioned by critics, while India's external affairs ministry has responded by urging restraint and dialogue between the parties.
The plan was set in motion within hours of Trump concluding a golf outing and a meeting with the US ambassador to China on Friday night, highlighting the sharp shifts that defined his holiday routine.
Social Galas and Military Moves
Since arriving at Mar-a-Lago in mid-December, Trump's agenda included meetings with foreign leaders and a black-tie New Year's Eve gala attended by Palm Beach's elite. On the very night US military assets were positioning for the Venezuela operation, Trump posted sarcastically about critics George and Amal Clooney.
Later at the gala, he invited artist Vanessa Horabuena to paint an image of Jesus Christ on stage, which was auctioned for $2.75 million. Trump stated the proceeds would benefit St Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Supporters point to this blend of activities as proof of his ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Critics, however, argue it shows a president distracted by personal interests even as his administration prepares for major international actions.
