Donald Trump confirmed that he is escorting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to the United States aboard the USS Iwo Jima warship.
On Saturday, 3 Jan 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump gave an interview about the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were arrested and are being brought to the United States to face multiple charges.
At one point, Trump confirmed that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife are aboard the USS Iwo Jima, which is heading toward New York.
"Yes, the Iwo Jima ship, they are on that vessel," Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News on Saturday morning. "They are heading to New York. A helicopter transported them out; they traveled comfortably by helicopter. I'm sure they liked it, but they... they have killed many people. Don't forget that."
When asked about the "way out" or offers he had given Maduro, Trump said the basis was that he told him to surrender and give himself up.
Trump told Fox News he spoke with Maduro last week. "This is a very significant symbol, and we—I had discussions, I spoke with him personally. But I told him, you have to surrender, you have to give yourself up," Trump said.
. cnn