State Department announces 'total compliance' from Venezuelan government in relief efforts after Maduro arrest
The Trump administration says it has complete support from the Venezuelan government amid humanitarian efforts just months after the removal of former dictator Nicolás Maduro, which sparked rage among the president's opponents.
After magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the northern part of the South American nation last week, the American government stepped in to help in a move that the administration says has been welcomed by the Venezuelan government and citizenry alike.
"We have seen total compliance from the interim authorities in Venezuela as a result of the unprecedented response by the United States to these deadly earthquakes," a State Department official told Fox News Digital Tuesday.
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The death toll from the natural disaster stands at nearly 2,000 and continues to rise.
"Every request we have made has been immediately granted and in turn, we have seen an incredible outpouring of support from the Venezuelan people towards Americans on the ground," the official continued.
On Jan. 3, U.S. special forces successfully took Maduro into custody after a daring nighttime mission that overwhelmed the dictator's armed guards. After penetrating Maduro's palace, they took him into custody. He was relocated to the United States where he remains in jail awaiting trial on narco-terrorism and gun charges.
The progressive political left rushed to the defense of the brutal socialist authoritarian in the wake of his capture.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., warned that the event risked violating international law, while Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., called the United States a "rogue state."
"Trump’s illegal and unprovoked bombing of Venezuela and kidnapping of its president are grave violations of international law and the U.S. Constitution. These are the actions of a rogue state," Tlaib wrote on social media.
"The American people do not want another regime change war abroad," she added.
"Maduro's illegitimate election does not give the president the power to invade without congressional approval, nor does it create a national security justification. That contention is laughable," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
The Trump administration has taken swift action to help the Venezuelan people amid the crisis, including mobilizing $150 million in humanitarian relief.
It has assembled a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) composed of more than 250 people, including three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue (USAR) teams. The administration says the teams have conducted critical life-saving measures.
The U.S. military has assisted with logistics.
Venezuela's Supreme Court installed Delcy Rodríguez as the country's interim president.
Since then, diplomatic relations with the country have been restored, though officials in Washington have made it clear that such cooperation is temporary, while emphasizing the U.S. does not view her presidency as a permanent solution.