Dramatic Fort Bragg Honor for Elite Troops

President Trump honored America’s elite special forces at Fort Bragg for their daring mission capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, demonstrating the decisive leadership absent under previous administrations that tolerated socialist tyranny in our hemisphere.

Story Snapshot

Trump visited Fort Bragg on February 13, 2026, to honor nearly 200 special forces troops who captured Maduro in Operation Absolute Resolve
The January 2026 operation resulted in Maduro’s capture on drug smuggling charges, with 7 U.S. troops injured and 83 Venezuelan casualties
The U.S. now controls Venezuelan oil revenues through a new energy pact, with American companies accessing vast petroleum resources
First Lady Melania Trump accompanied the president to engage with military families at one of America’s largest military installations

Operation Absolute Resolve Delivers Justice

Nearly 200 U.S. special operations forces executed Operation Absolute Resolve in January 2026, successfully capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The mission resulted in seven American troops injured while Venezuelan forces suffered 83 casualties, including 32 Cuban security personnel protecting the socialist regime. Trump described the operators as “a group of unbelievable talented patriotic people that love our country,” recognizing their sacrifice in removing a narco-terrorist who had tormented the Venezuelan people since 2013 while trafficking drugs into American communities.

American Energy Dominance Restored

Following Maduro’s capture, the U.S. secured a massive energy pact with Venezuela’s interim government under Delcy Rodriguez. American oil companies now access Venezuelan crude oil reserves, with all proceeds flowing through U.S.-controlled accounts. Trump emphasized the economic benefits, stating “The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out. 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.” This arrangement demonstrates how American strength secures energy independence while diminishing the influence of hostile foreign powers in our hemisphere.

Countering Chinese Infiltration

The Fort Bragg visit coincides with Trump’s broader strategy to combat Chinese influence throughout Latin America. Trump announced plans for a Florida gathering with regional leaders next month specifically addressing concerns about Chinese economic and political penetration. The administration views Maduro’s removal as essential to protecting American interests from communist expansion disguised as investment partnerships. This decisive action contrasts sharply with previous administrations that allowed Chinese infrastructure projects and debt-trap diplomacy to threaten Western Hemisphere stability and American security.

Military Families Receive Recognition

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spent time with military families at Fort Bragg, recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones. The Pentagon maintains operational security by not disclosing which specific units participated, protecting these elite warriors and their families from potential retaliation. Fort Bragg hosts one of the largest concentrations of Army special operations forces globally, with units maintaining readiness for potential Middle East deployment if diplomatic efforts with Iran fail. The visit provided deserved recognition while reinforcing that America’s military superiority protects constitutional freedoms and national sovereignty.

Economic Success Vindicates America First Policies

Trump highlighted his administration’s economic achievements during the Fort Bragg visit, noting inflation has dropped to nearly a five-year low. This economic turnaround followed years of Biden-era inflation that devastated American families through soaring grocery prices, fuel costs, and housing expenses caused by reckless government spending and energy policies that weakened America. The Venezuelan oil access further strengthens American energy markets while creating jobs for American workers. These results demonstrate how prioritizing American interests over globalist agendas delivers prosperity and security that woke policies promised but never achieved.