Trump Administration Set to Seize Second Plane Linked to Nicolás Maduro’s Regime.
The Trump administration is preparing to seize a second plane tied to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, currently located in the Dominican Republic. This plane, a Dassault Falcon 200, is reported to have been used by Maduro and his top officials for international travel, allegedly violating U.S. sanctions.
The announcement of the planned seizure will be made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Santo Domingo, marking the conclusion of his Central America tour. Rubio’s approval was required for the seizure, specifically for waiving foreign aid to cover over $230,000 in storage and maintenance fees for the aircraft.
The operation also received clearance from the Department of Justice, ensuring the legal backing for the seizure. Rubio is expected to make the announcement during a law enforcement engagement in the Dominican Republic, as the U.S. government continues its efforts to enforce sanctions against Maduro’s regime.
This marks a continued push by the Trump administration to hold Maduro’s government accountable amid increasing pressure on Venezuela’s leadership.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly started using the Dassault Falcon 200 jet for official and personal travel sometime after he took office in 2013.
The aircraft became part of the Venezuelan government's fleet of planes used for international trips. As with other high-profile leaders, the Dassault Falcon 200 was used to facilitate travel for Maduro and his top officials, primarily due to its capacity to transport high-level individuals over medium to long distances comfortably and quickly.
The jet is particularly useful for government officials who require travel to international destinations, and the aircraft's relatively smaller size compared to larger presidential jets makes it more versatile for certain airports or regional destinations.
The U.S. government has raised concerns over the use of the Falcon 200, along with other planes in Maduro's fleet, alleging violations of U.S. sanctions that target high-ranking Venezuelan officials and their assets.
This led to the U.S. seizure of a Falcon 200 aircraft, as part of a broader effort to crack down on individuals and entities linked to Maduro’s government. The Trump administration, particularly under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, worked to seize these planes, viewing them as a violation of sanctions and a symbol of Maduro’s regime.
