This statement has raised eyebrows.
President Donald Trump made international headlines this weekend after authorizing a major U.S. operation aimed at removing Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro from power and bringing him to the United States to face trial.
According to U.S. officials cited by Fox News, the mission was carried out by elite American special forces and resulted in Maduro being taken out of Venezuela amid heightened security conditions. The move marked one of the most dramatic foreign policy actions of Trump’s presidency and immediately sparked global reaction.
Unexpected Reaction From the Sports World
As news of the operation spread, reactions poured in from political leaders, commentators, and figures connected to Venezuela — including from the world of professional sports.
One response that drew attention came from Jhonattan Vegas, a longtime PGA Tour competitor and one of Venezuela’s most internationally recognized athletes.
“Long live Venezuela, damn it all,” Vegas wrote in a brief post on X, translated from Spanish. The message offered no direct political statement but was widely interpreted as an emotional response to the rapidly unfolding situation involving his home country.
Who Is Jhonattan Vegas?
Vegas, 41, currently plays on the PGA Tour and is ranked among the world’s top professional golfers. In 2025, he made history at the PGA Championship, becoming the first Venezuelan golfer to lead a major championship at any point.
After two rounds at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, Vegas stood alone at the top of the leaderboard at eight-under par. He ultimately finished the tournament tied for fifth — a milestone achievement for both his career and Venezuelan golf.
Vegas has often spoken about his humble beginnings. As a child growing up in Venezuela, he learned the game by hitting improvised clubs and balls near a small nine-hole course. As a teenager, he relocated to the United States, learned English, and later played college golf for the Texas Longhorns.
In 2011, he became the first Venezuelan to win a PGA Tour-sanctioned event after capturing the Bob Hope Classic. He has also represented Venezuela twice in Olympic competition.
Trump Details High-Stakes Operation
President Trump later offered additional insight into the operation involving Maduro, describing the Venezuelan leader as being heavily guarded inside a fortified presidential complex in Caracas.
Trump said Maduro narrowly missed securing himself inside a reinforced safe area before U.S. forces reached him. Speaking earlier on Fox & Friends Weekend, the president emphasized that American personnel were fully prepared for all contingencies.
The administration framed the mission as part of a broader effort to confront authoritarian regimes and restore stability in the Western Hemisphere — a message that resonated strongly with Trump’s base.
Why This Moment Matters
The episode highlights how global political events can quickly spill into unexpected areas, including professional sports. It also underscores Trump’s ongoing approach to foreign policy: direct, forceful, and unapologetically focused on American interests.
As reactions continue to unfold, Vegas’ brief but emotional message has become a reminder that behind international headlines are individuals with deep personal ties to the nations at the center of the story.
