Senate Majority Leader John Thune attacked the Democratic response to the U.S. military’s arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. In an interview from the Capitol Rotunda on Fox News’ “My View with Lara Trump,” the Republican leader said criticism of the mission was driven entirely by “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Thune called “Operation Absolute Resolve” a decisive move by President Trump to break an “unacceptable status quo.”
He defended the operation, which executed a Department of Justice warrant, as a vital step to stop “narco-terrorists” who he said have been harming Americans with illegal drugs while aligning with adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.
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“It is a clear example of Trump Derangement Syndrome… nothing more, nothing less,” Thune stated regarding Democrats who questioned the timing or methods of the raid. “These guys are… they are blinded. And unfortunately, when you have a huge success like this, all they can do is go out and complain and whine.”
The Senator dismissed the opposition as “sour grapes,” arguing that political rivals should celebrate a moment where the U.S. projects “peace through strength,” no matter who is president.
The discussion then turned to the upcoming government funding deadline. Thune described some members of the opposition as “arsonists” seeking attention for potential 2028 presidential campaigns.
However, he expressed confidence that most Senate Democrats would vote to keep the government open. “I think the majority… don’t want to go through another government shutdown and realize it’s not in the best interest of the American people,” he said.
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Looking back at the last year, Thune called the 2025 legislative session “incredibly impactful,” pointing to significant spending cuts and tax benefits.
When asked about 2026, he gave a one-word prediction: “Hopeful.”
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