Trump Impresses His Republican Critic

Rep. Dan Crenshaw is praising the U.S. military following a highly classified operation aimed at Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, calling it a clear demonstration of American military excellence and intelligence superiority.

Appearing Sunday on Newsmax, the Texas Republican described the mission as an extraordinary example of preparation, coordination, and precision—highlighting why U.S. special operations forces remain the most capable in the world.

Months of Planning, Zero Leaks

Crenshaw, who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, said operations of this scale require months of intelligence work, careful surveillance, and flawless execution. He emphasized that the absence of leaks alone showed the professionalism of those involved.

“This level of planning is incredibly complex,” Crenshaw said. “From understanding the terrain to timing every movement perfectly, that’s what America’s elite forces are trained to do.”

The congressman noted that modern U.S. military operations rely on close coordination between intelligence agencies and joint military units, ensuring decisions are driven by real-time information rather than politics.

Symbolic Message to a Region in Crisis

Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, also spoke about the broader meaning of the operation for Venezuelans who have fled years of economic collapse, mass migration, and political repression under Maduro’s socialist regime.

Crenshaw, who has spent time living in Colombia and visiting Venezuela, said the operation carried significant meaning for those who have witnessed their nation’s decline under authoritarian leadership.

“For people who escaped that system, it matters,” he said. “It shows the United States is still paying attention.”

Military Strength and Western Hemisphere Security

The Texas lawmaker stressed that stability in the Western Hemisphere remains a core U.S. national security interest. He argued that when American interests are threatened, decisive action—grounded in intelligence and professionalism—remains a necessary option.

Crenshaw also highlighted the importance of secrecy in such missions, explaining that strict compartmentalization protects service members and ensures operational success.

“These are the most sensitive operations imaginable,” he said. “They have to be handled with absolute discipline.”

Elite Forces Earn Praise

Although Navy SEALs were not involved in the operation, Crenshaw publicly commended the Delta Force personnel who carried it out, calling the mission “an outstanding example of American military capability.”

Some Democrats have criticized the operation, but Crenshaw pushed back, arguing that well-planned military actions remain an essential tool of U.S. foreign policy—especially when they protect regional stability and American interests.

“What you’re seeing,” Crenshaw said, “is what happens when military excellence is allowed to operate without political interference.”