Trump held a press briefing hours after Maduro was taken into American custody, flanked by senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Vice President JD Vance said he doubted the U.S. could seize Nicolás Maduro without losses, but praised the “flawless” operation and its impact on energy.

JD Vance was absent from Trump's briefing on Maduro capture due to security concerns. Venezuelan leader taken into U.S. custody in major operation.

The vice president’s defense comes as some GOP lawmakers question the Trump administration’s justification for Saturday’s attack.

Vance was notably missing from Trump’s public briefings and key moments following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, drawing attention to his low-profile role during the high-stakes operation and prompting questions about internal dynamics within the administration.

Washington will 'have more control over the energy resources that exist in the world,' says JD Vance - Anadolu Ajansı

However, Vance said some fentanyl comes to the U.S. via Venezuela, adding cocaine trafficking from Venezuela helps cartels. Maduro was indicted on narcoterrorism charges and conspiracy to import cocaine when he arrivved in the U.S. on Saturday.

But Vance did not join President Donald Trump and other top administration officials at Mar-a-Lago to watch the operation because the national security team was concerned about the Vice President’s motorcade potentially tipping off the Venezuelans to the impending action.

The absence of Vice President JD Vance in all the behind-the-scenes footage from Mar-a-Lago, when President Donald Trump gave his go-ahead to the US m.