Trump Saves American Lives
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said Monday that Americans are now safer and the U.S. economy is on firmer footing following the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, who is facing sweeping federal drug charges in the United States.
In a Monday editorial, Landry pushed back forcefully against critics questioning the legality or strategic wisdom of the operation, arguing that justice is finally being served against a man he described as a longtime criminal figure tied to international drug trafficking.
According to Landry, Maduro has been at the center of a vast narcotics pipeline that has flooded the United States with deadly drugs and contributed to more than 800,000 overdose deaths since 2015.
“Thanks to the leadership of the president of the United States and the unmatched capabilities of the world’s greatest military, this individual will now face justice,” Landry wrote. “What occurred this weekend will save tens of thousands of American lives in the years ahead by severely disrupting the fentanyl supply chain flowing from China through South America and into North America.”
Landry, a Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, dismissed arguments citing international law or Venezuelan sovereignty. He argued that Maduro never held legitimate authority and should instead be viewed as an indicted criminal whose federal case was finalized during the Biden administration under then-Attorney General Merrick Garland.
The Louisiana governor also highlighted the economic implications of the operation, pointing to potential benefits for American workers and businesses — particularly in the energy sector.
He said Louisiana’s ports and energy infrastructure could play a key role in the rebuilding of Venezuela’s oil and gas industry under lawful leadership, creating jobs and helping stabilize global energy markets.
“Energy price stability improves the quality of life for American families,” Landry wrote, adding that expanded domestic involvement would reduce dependence on unstable foreign suppliers.
Beyond economics, Landry framed the development as a broader step toward restoring a free-market, democratic Western Hemisphere that strengthens U.S. national security and protects American interests abroad.
As a former member of the Louisiana National Guard, where he served for more than a decade, Landry said he was especially proud of the U.S. service members involved in the operation.
He added that he hopes the action sends a clear warning to criminal organizations operating throughout the region — as well as to political leaders who enable them.
Landry’s remarks reflect strong Republican support for the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest. Supporters argue the move will disrupt international criminal networks, improve border security, and enhance public safety at home.
Critics, meanwhile, continue to raise questions about international norms and long-term strategy.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into U.S. custody following the operation and appeared Monday in federal court in Manhattan, where both entered not-guilty pleas.
Federal prosecutors have charged Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and multiple weapons offenses. Flores faces related charges tied to drug trafficking and weapons violations, according to court filings.
