Did Trump and Musk break bread amid Venezuela drama?
No credible news report currently states that US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk formally dined together as part of an official plan or diplomatic event after the strike on Venezuela.
Image: @RT_com on X
Despite what can be described as a tumultuous relationship, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump were reportedly seen together at a lavish dinner following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Photos and video circulated showing the two at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida the evening after the operation.
No credible news report currently states that Trump and Musk formally dined together as part of an official plan or diplomatic event after the Maduro situation.
The photos and videos are also conceivably from a different date, as Trump and Musk had a very public falling out in the middle of last year.
Around June 5 to 7, 2025, Musk openly criticised Trump’s signature “One Big Beautiful Bill” - a massive tax and spending package - calling it a “disgusting abomination” and arguing it would worsen the deficit and undercut Musk’s own cost-cutting efforts in government.
Trump responded with public digs and pulled back support, signalling a break in their partnership.
The military strike took place in the early hours of January 3, 2026, targeting key government and military sites in Caracas and other strategic locations.
According to Trump, the operation resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were reportedly flown out of the country.
Trump said the action was intended to remove Maduro due to allegations of corruption, drug trafficking, and undermining regional stability.
He also said that the US would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a safe transition could be arranged.
The president described the operation as both a law enforcement effort and a way to secure Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump announced the strike on Venezuela on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Image: Sourced via ChatGPT.
Trump announced the strike on his social media platform Truth Social. His statement is repeated verbatim below:
“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 11am, at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
At the conference, Trump said the US would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a safe transition could be arranged, framing the action as a decisive move against authoritarian leadership.
Musk, meanwhile, praised the operation on X, calling it “a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere,” signalling rhetorical support for Trump despite their past differences.
Before the dramatic capture, the US had already been ratcheting up pressure on Venezuela, including a 25 % tariff on any country importing Venezuelan oil.
The measures, signed by Trump in March 2025, targeted Maduro’s revenue streams and signalled that Washington was willing to wield both economic and military power to reshape the region.
Critics have described the operation as an illegal kidnapping and violation of international law, highlighting the global debate over the legality and consequences of the US action in Venezuela.
The United Nations expressed concern, with Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres, saying:
“The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.”
South Africa’s head of diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, also criticised the strikes, questioning the state of the international order.
“Where’s the 'international rules-based order'? Are we back to law of the jungle now? What the hell,” he said.
Mar-a-Lago itself, meaning “Sea to Lake” in Spanish, is a historic 1920s Spanish-Moorish style estate in Palm Beach, Florida, transformed by Trump into a luxury private club, residence, and political venue. It served as the backdrop for Trump and Musk’s reported post-operation meeting.
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