Guests - Stephen Mundt, Eric Eggers, Dave Smith
The Dramatic Capture of Nicolás Maduro: A Military Triumph and Its Aftermath
In a stunning operation that unfolded over the weekend of January 3-4, 2026, U.S. forces executed a precise raid in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The mission, involving elite Delta Force operators supported by extensive air assets, extracted the couple without American loss of life and transported them to New York, where they were arraigned on federal narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. Both pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan courtroom.
The operation marked a bold enforcement of long-standing U.S. indictments against Maduro, accused of flooding America with cocaine and running a corrupt regime tied to international drug networks. It drew parallels to the 1989 capture of Panama's Manuel Noriega, emphasizing lawful execution of warrants rather than regime change.
Retired Brigadier General Stephen Mundt on the Operation's Execution and Implications
Retired Brigadier General Stephen Mundt described the raid as a near-perfect military achievement. "The people that were involved—Delta Force, the 160th, Air Force groups, Navy operations off ships—over 160 platforms in the air. We cut the power, went in, took Maduro out of a house inside a major military installation, all without a single loss of life. One minor flesh wound, perhaps some helicopter damage, but nothing serious."
Mundt stressed the operation's roots in law enforcement, with FBI agents present to ensure it remained an arrest of an indicted narco-trafficker, not regime change. "We're about arresting an indicted narco-trafficker. That's what he's going to be tried on. No American lives lost, an elite force in action—poetic that he's brought to New York."
He highlighted strategic benefits, including disrupting Venezuela's oil supplies to China and sending a message about foreign interference in the region. Mundt noted Maduro's regime allowed deadly drugs like fentanyl and cocaine into America, alongside gangs like Tren de Aragua linked to his circle.
On stabilization, Mundt cautioned against prolonged U.S. involvement. "Venezuela is one and a half times the size of Texas—rough terrain, guerrilla history. We don't want boots on the ground in a protracted war. Work with current leadership to hold democratic elections overseen internationally."
Mundt praised the operation's secrecy, starting planning in January 2025 with rehearsals, avoiding leaks despite political pressures.
Eric Eggers on Minnesota's Welfare Fraud Scandal and Tim Walz's Decision
Eric Eggers, Vice President of Research at the Government Accountability Institute, tied Governor Tim Walz's announcement on January 5, 2026, that he would not seek a third term directly to escalating scrutiny over massive welfare fraud in Minnesota.
"This is one of the great scandals in American history—potentially up to $18 billion or more stolen, largely through programs exploited by networks in the Somali community. Feeding Our Future was the tip, but it spread to autism programs, housing, daycares. Red flags were ignored for years."
Eggers explained incentives under prior administrations encouraged overlooking fraud, with federal funds flowing despite warnings. "The FBI alerted state officials to kickbacks, but money kept coming. Attorney General Keith Ellison intervened to reduce scrutiny after complaints of bias."
He connected the fraud to political realities in one-party Democratic Minnesota. "No Republican statewide win in 20 years. Enforcing the law risks alienating key voting blocs."
Eggers noted a pivotal recent development: a DOJ letter demanding same-day voter registration records, raising questions about voter roll integrity amid lax laws like vouching without ID. "If welfare programs are vulnerable, why not voter rolls? This, on top of months of fraud scrutiny, likely pushed Walz out."
He warned of broader implications. "This isn't isolated—similar networks exist elsewhere. Exposing it now, under serious federal oversight, is a sea change."
Dave Smith on Broader National Security and Domestic Issues
Dave Smith highlighted the Maduro capture's precedent. "Like Noriega—prosecuted here, then extradited, died in prison. This isn't novel; Europe and Panama participated in Noriega's case."
Smith criticized media focus on paid protests while Venezuelan exiles celebrated. "Venezuelans in Florida, Latin America—dancing, waving flags. The demonstrators aren't Venezuelans; they're AstroTurf."
On domestic fronts, Smith addressed illegal immigrant commercial driver's licenses. "California delaying cancellations—dangerous. These massive vehicles operated by non-English speakers, no assimilation. Third-world standards mock our laws."
He linked it to election integrity. "Licenses enable voting, disenfranchising citizens."
Smith praised accountability trends. "DOGE exposing fraud everywhere—SBA suspending fraudulent loans. Consequences returning."
On military and police respect: "Precision operation shows our forces' capability. Yet some undermine them with seditious talk—censure warranted."
Venezuela's vast resources—oil reserves larger than claimed—remain untapped under failed socialism. "Could be South America's Saudi Arabia, but power over people prevails."
As 2026 unfolds, these events signal a renewed focus on rule of law, border security, and rooting out corruption at home and abroad. The Maduro trial and Minnesota investigations will test institutional resolve, while operations like this underscore America's capacity to enforce justice globally.