Networks Scramble In Early Morning Special Reports As Trump Confirms U.S. Attack On Venezuela, Capturing Nicolás Maduro And His Wife

Networks provided early morning special reports on Saturday as explosions were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, what President Donald Trump later confirmed was a “large scale strike” in the country and that it’s leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.

Trump, in Mar-a-Lago for the holiday break, posted at 4:21 a.m. ET, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

NBC News’ Peter Alexander anchored an NBC News special report from 4 a.m. ET to 6:45 a.m. ET, before anchoring Saturday Today with Laura Jarrett.

ABC News’ Alison Kosik provided a special report in the 5 a.m. hour, noting that “there have been scenes of multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft,” starting about 2 a.m. local time.

The strikes may have been a surprise in timing, but not that they were carried out, as media attention has focused on the increased U.S. military pressure campaign against Maduro. But it also raises questions of Trump’s authority to carry out the strikes without congressional authorization.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) wrote on X, “I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force.” He later wrote that he had a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant. This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.”

More to come.