US President Donald Trump on Tuesday addressed House Republicans at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, opening his remarks by praising the party’s policy agenda.The remarks were delivered as Republican lawmakers gathered for a party retreat, marking the House’s return to session.During his address, Trump spoke about the US operation in Venezuela targeting Nicolás Maduro, asserting American military supremacy. He said, “The United States proved once again that we have the most powerful, most lethal, most sophisticated, and most fearsome military on planet earth – and it’s not even close… Nobody could’ve done that.”Trump also took aim at Democrats, suggesting they were unwilling to acknowledge the operation’s success. “You know, at some point they should say, you know, you did a great job. Thank you. Congratulations. Wouldn’t it be good?” he said, adding that he would credit political opponents if he believed their actions benefited the country.Referring to Maduro, Trump said, “They’ve been after this guy for years and years and years, and, you know, he’s a violent guy… he’s killed millions of people. He’s tortured.” He alleged the existence of a torture facility in Caracas and accused the “radical left” of backing protests in support of the Venezuelan leader.Trump further claimed that demonstrators calling for Maduro’s release were organised and paid, saying, “They’re all paid people. Most of these people are paid… You have a woman, Free Maduro. And the sign is before we even did the attack, Free Maduro.”
