South Dakota Congressional Delegation Backs U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota’s federal and state leadership have signaled unified support for the United States’ military strike in Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday morning.

The operation, which took place Jan. 3, 2026, drew immediate praise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds, and Rep. Dusty Johnson. The delegation’s comments focused on themes of regional security, justice, and the legality of the mission.

Thune characterized the move as “decisive action” by the Trump administration, specifically citing the need to curb drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. He described the capture of Maduro as an “important first step to bring him to justice.”

Addressing the legal and procedural aspects of the strike, Rounds defended the decision to move forward without a prior briefing to Congress. He stated the operation was legal, noting that Venezuela had “taken inappropriately” a number of U.S. assets.

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Rep. Johnson echoed these sentiments, labeling Maduro a “narcoterrorist and illegitimate leader.” Johnson credited the mission’s success to the United States military’s precision in “executing the warrant” for the Venezuelan leader’s arrest.

Support for the mission also extended to Pierre. Governor Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley both released statements on social media channels in favor of the action.

The capture comes after years of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Federal officials have long accused Maduro’s administration of human rights abuses and involvement in international narcotics smuggling.

This article contains information reported initially by Michael Klinski of South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. For more fact-based reporting and to support local journalism, visit sdnewswatch.org.