Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said on Newsmax on Saturday that the capture of deposed Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro represents a major national security win for the United States, arguing it removes a dangerous narcoterrorist regime and strengthens American influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Appearing on "America Right Now," Johnson praised the Trump administration's actions, calling the operation "spectacularly successful" and criticizing Senate Democrats and some Republicans for advancing a war powers resolution that would limit further military action without congressional approval.
"I think the president has the authority under the Constitution," Johnson said, noting that similar actions have been taken by presidents of both parties.
He said the vote was an attempt to undermine President Donald Trump following a mission that has already produced "an undeniable good."
Johnson said Maduro had been running an "illegitimate narcotrafficking operation" out of Venezuela, fueling drug flows that directly harm Americans.
He pointed to the ongoing overdose crisis, saying the U.S. loses roughly 100,000 people annually to deadly drugs, with Venezuela serving as one of several source countries.
From a broader security perspective, Johnson said Venezuela had become a foothold for U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, posing a direct threat to American interests.
"That's not good for our hemisphere. It's not good for American national security," he said.
Johnson also emphasized the humanitarian and economic collapse caused by the regimes of Hugo Chavez and Maduro, noting that roughly 8 million Venezuelans have fled a country rich in oil, gold and other resources.
He argued that if handled properly, the transition now underway could stabilize the region, reduce illegal immigration and restore prosperity to Venezuela.
"The root causes of illegal immigration are not climate change," Johnson said. "It's despotic leaders like Maduro and Chavez."
Johnson added that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could use Venezuelan oil revenues as leverage to support a transition toward democracy, calling the moment a rare opportunity for both U.S. security and regional stability.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.