Posting the clip, the White House said Maduro “had his chance,” asserting that the US would defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic.
By PC Bureau
January 4, 2026: The White House on Saturday shared an old video clip of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro defiantly challenging US President Donald Trump and the United States to “come and get him,” a move that comes amid sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The clip, originally recorded during an earlier phase of US–Venezuela hostilities, shows Maduro mocking American pressure and daring US authorities to arrest him. By reposting the video, the White House appeared to underscore its claim that Maduro had long taunted the United States while evading accountability.
Accompanying the video, the White House wrote: “Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t. The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic.” The message was framed as a justification for the administration’s hardline stance against the Venezuelan leader.
READ: NYT, Washington Post Sat on Secret US Operation Against Maduro
The post has drawn widespread attention on social media, particularly in light of recent US actions against Venezuela, including military operations and criminal indictments targeting Maduro and his inner circle. US officials have accused Maduro of leading a narco-terror network responsible for flooding the United States with illegal drugs, allegations Caracas has repeatedly denied.
Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t.
The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic. 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/eov3GbBXf4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 4, 2026
Venezuelan authorities have condemned Washington’s actions as propaganda and psychological warfare, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to legitimise regime change and justify intervention under the guise of national security. Caracas has maintained that the real objective of US pressure is control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and strategic influence in Latin America.
The resurfaced clip has further fuelled diplomatic tensions, with analysts saying it reflects the Trump administration’s effort to shape the narrative around Maduro as a defiant but isolated leader who ultimately overplayed his hand.
