On Saturday, January 3, 2026, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, Donald Trump and Elon Musk were spotted having dinner at Mar-a-Lago.
Dinner at Mar-a-Lago
- The Meeting: Musk was seen dining with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump just hours after the military operation.
- Significance: The appearance signaled a public reconciliation between the two, who had reportedly been at odds following Musk’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in late 2025.
- Strategic Support: Following the dinner, Musk announced on January 4 that Starlink would provide free broadband services to Venezuela for one month to support the population during the transition.
The “Take Down” of Nicolás Maduro
- Operation Absolute Resolve: In the early morning of January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces launched a large-scale strike in Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
- Current Status: Maduro was flown to the United States and is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting arraignment on narcotrafficking and weapons charges.
Governance: Trump stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a transition occurs, although Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. is willing to work with the remaining leaders if they cooperate. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been named acting president by Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal.
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