In a recent interview, Jen Psaki, now a media commentator, attempted to dismantle former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy legacy but inadvertently highlighted its strengths. The discussion arose between Psaki and John Brennan, a former CIA Director known for his critical stance towards Trump. However, Brennan deflected Psaki’s attempts to stir up criticism. Instead, he commended the covert operation in Venezuela that aimed to shift power away from Nicolás Maduro.
This exchange rapidly spread across social media platforms, with one viral tweet capturing the moment as a stinging rebuke to Psaki’s narrative: “LMFAO. Jen Psaki tried to get disgraced former CIA John Brennan to ATTACK President Trump’s Venezuelan operation, but it failed brutally.” Brennan’s comments during the interview were strikingly positive, stating, “It was a flawlessly executed operation!” and “It’s good that [Maduro] is no longer in charge!”
The operation, carried out in early 2025, involved coordination with Colombia and local defectors in the Venezuelan military. Details of the classified mission remain vague, but it aimed to destabilize Maduro’s regime without direct military intervention. As noted by intelligence analysts, this strategy resulted in a rapid and relatively bloodless change in power — a significant achievement that stood in stark contrast to past U.S. interventions in the region.
Brennan’s unexpected acknowledgment was particularly notable given his prior criticism of Trump’s national security policies. He remarked on the exceptional cooperation between the intelligence community and regional actors, suggesting a well-executed strategy that many in Washington would have deemed impossible. “The intelligence was solid, the partnerships effective, and the strategic goal — removing an increasingly autocratic leader — was achieved,” Brennan stated, a line that visibly surprised Psaki, who quickly moved the topic away from Venezuela.
As this exchange gained traction, conservative commentators seized upon it, viewing it as a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on Trump’s foreign policy victories. For them, it punctuated a narrative that highlights the effectiveness of Trump’s approach in a realm often overshadowed by domestic controversies.
The fall of Maduro has broader implications, signaling a shift in U.S. influence within Latin America. Venezuela’s conditions under Maduro had deteriorated drastically, with staggering hyperinflation and mass emigration. The successful operation was met with relief not only from U.S. allies but also from regional powers, reopening a dialogue on a future devoid of socialist governance.
Brennan’s praise, particularly from someone previously aligned with the opposition, added considerable weight to the discussion about the operation’s success. Even as he has been a critic of Trump’s broader strategies — especially concerning Russia and NATO — his remarks about Venezuela suggested an uneasy alignment of interests.
On the home front, Trump found himself receiving a rare boost in credibility for foreign policy while the spotlight largely remained on his legal challenges and other domestic issues. Despite attempts by critics to downplay this success, stored memories of high-profile blunders have begun to fade, giving way to a fuller account of his administration’s actions.
The Biden administration remained largely silent about the Venezuela operation, with no notable policy shifts that would suggest a move away from the strategies employed during Trump’s presidency. Currently, the transitional government of Juan Guaidó is recognized by over 50 countries, and signs of economic stabilization are apparent, such as inflation dropping to below 20% — a significant turnaround for a nation that once faced economic ruin.
Psaki intended to focus her interview on Trump’s re-emergence in global politics and his aspirations for a second presidential term. Instead, the conversation unfolded to reveal a tangible success that complicates partisan interpretations of his presidency.
Political analysts, including former ambassador Roger Noriega, highlighted the surgical precision of the operation, differentiating it from past examples of U.S. intervention. “Most administrations talk strategy. This was surgical. It was the kind of complex, well-supported push that shows what power projection looks like in practice,” Noriega said, emphasizing the practicality and effectiveness of the approach.
As the clip continues to circulate, reinforcing conversations in conservative media, its impact on public perception is significant. It serves as a reminder that even amidst legal and political turmoil, effective foreign policy outcomes can reshape views and narratives regarding a presidency.
The significance of former CIA Director Brennan’s phrase “flawlessly executed” cannot be understated. Spoken concerning a Trump-era mission in a liberal media arena, it underscores the complicated legacy of the past administration and illustrates how achievements can be clouded by the chaos of headlines. The incident illustrates that while political battles rage on, the real outcomes of foreign policy bear remarkable weight in shaping a leader’s legacy.
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