1. What charges did the U.S. bring against Venezuela's leader Nicholas Maduro? Be specific.

2. How many countries officially do not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela?

3. What is the name of the drug cartel Maduro is alleged to be the head of?

4. What is notable about the state of the economy in Venezuela? (see "Background" below the questions)

5. How did U.S. troops prepare for the operation, which was one of the most complex in recent history?

6. What military equipment was deployed to the region prior to the operation?

7. How long did it take troops to capture Maduro?

8. Read the "Background" and watch the videos under "Resources" below.
No one can dispute Nicholas Maduro is a bad guy:

• Nicholas Maduro is alleged to have sent violent Venezuelan gang members from Tren de Aragua to the U.S. during President Biden's term when he implemented an Open Border policy. TdA engaged in drug trafficking and human trafficking, among other crimes.
• In 2025, Maduro refused to accept back into the country Venezuelan criminals who the U.S. had apprehended and were deporting.
• He refused to end the massive drug trafficking operation sending illegal drugs to the U.S.
• Trump gave him numerous chances to end the narco-trafficking into the U.S.
• In November 2025, Trump demanded Maduro leave Venezuela within a week for anyplace he chose, along with his family members. He refused, and instead, among other things, demanded he retain control of the military in exchange for allowing free elections
• Maduro has been working with China, Iran, Cuba and Russia. This is a threat to U.S. security.
• Maduro was indicted by the US Justice Department in 2020 for crimes against the U.S.   President Biden did not oppose that indictment.
• The vast majority of Venezuelans are very happy that he has been deposed

Watch news reports on this news story. Why do you think the media is spinning this with a negative point of view?

9. During Saturday's press conference detailing the capture of Maduro, when asked, Trump said the U.S. would be in charge of Venezuela until there is a safe transition of leadership. He also said the U.S. would be running the country “with a group” and “designating various people.”
Later Saturday, Venezuela’s Supreme Court (whose justices were put in place by Maduro) ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez (who had been appointed to VP by Maduro) to assume the role of interim president. Elections must be held within 30 days if a president becomes “permanently unavailable,” but the Court then declared Maduro’s absence “temporary,” a scenario where there is no immediate election requirement.

On ABC on Sunday, when asked for details on how the U.S. plans to run Venezuela, Secretary Rubio said the U.S. would use leverage gained from its oil blockade on the country and regional military buildup to achieve its policy aims.
“What’s going to happen here is we have a quarantine on their oil, that means their economy will not be able to move forward until the conditions that are in the national interest of the United States and the interests of the Venezuelan people are met, and that’s what we intend to do,” Rubio said.

This is an ongoing story. Follow the news over the coming days/weeks for updates on the progress and how successful the Trump administration is.

10. Ask a parent: what do you think of the capture of Venezuela's President Maduro?