Elon Musk sends 'congratulatory message' to Donald Trump on Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly congratulated US President Donald Trump following developments in Venezuela involving President Nicolás Maduro. In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) Musk wrote “Congratulations, President Trump! This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere.”The congratulatory message from Elon Musk comes after the announcement that United States launched a swift overnight military operation against Venezuela on January 3, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife First Lady Cilia Flores.

Background of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro’s capture

On January 3, 2026 US forces carried out a swift military operation in Caracas, seizing Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores. This move by US is followed by months of heightened pressure, including a U.S. reward of $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, citing his alleged role in international drug trafficking. Maduro was flown out of Venezuela by U.S. military aircraft, marking a turning point in the country’s political crisis.




After the arrest and removal of Maduro from the country, US President Donald Trump has said the US will "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can be ensured. When asked who in Venezuela would be part of that group, Trump said secretary of state Marco Rubio had been speaking with vice president Delcy Rodriguez. Trump told reporters that Rodriguez was willing to cooperate with Washington and had shown readiness to do “whatever” the US needed.

Elon Musk offers broader support

The congratulatory message from Elon Musk was not only limited to works. The SpaceX CEO announced that his satellite internet company Starling will offer free broadband service in Venezuela until February 2, ensuing connectivity for its citizens during the time of this transition. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), the company wrote: “Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.” Quoting Starlink’s post, Elon Musk wrote “In support of the people of Venezuela”.