Trump Praises US Military Might After Maduro Raid

President says operation showed 'full military might' and that US is 'feared' by enemies

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Trump visited Fort Bragg in North Carolina to celebrate the US special forces operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump praised the military's 'full might' and said the raid showed the US is 'feared' by potential enemies around the world. He also met with military families and touted his administration's economic policies.

Why it matters

The president's visit to Fort Bragg, one of the world's largest military bases, was seen as more of a political rally than an official event to honor the US armed forces. Trump's focus on the Maduro raid and boasts about US military power come amid rising tensions with Iran and as he travels more to key political battleground states ahead of the midterm elections.

The details

During the event, Trump celebrated the special forces members who carried out the raid that removed Maduro, saying it showed 'the entire world saw what the full military might' of the US can do. He called the forces involved 'some of our greatest soldiers to ever live' and dismissed Maduro as an 'outlaw dictator.' Trump also vowed that under his presidency, the US military will be the 'best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite fighting force the world has ever seen.'

  • The raid on Maduro took place on January 3, 2026.
  • Trump visited Fort Bragg on February 13, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who was visiting Fort Bragg to celebrate the US military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was removed from power in a US special forces operation.

Michael Whatley

A former Republican National Committee chair who has Trump's endorsement as he runs for Senate in North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Your commander in chief supports you totally.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wral.com)

“When needed, you're going to fight, fight, fight. You're going to win, win, win.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wral.com)

“It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wral.com)

What’s next

The president did not mention any specific next steps related to the Maduro situation or the US military operation.

The takeaway

Trump's visit to Fort Bragg was seen as more of a political rally than an official event to honor the US armed forces, as he focused heavily on boasting about US military might and the recent operation against Maduro rather than broader issues facing the military and their families.