In 2020, the U.S. State Department offered a reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest. That reward grew to $50 million by August 2025—the largest bounty ever placed on a foreign head of state. The mission has now been accomplished—not by informants, but by American warriors who put their lives on the line.

In Operation Absolute Resolve, U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted one of the most daring and complex military operations in modern history. Delta Force operators, FBI Hostage Rescue Teams, and supporting personnel executed a high-risk mission deep in hostile territory. They faced anti-aircraft defenses, navigated through 150 aircraft in challenging weather conditions, and stormed a heavily fortified compound—all to extract a narco-terrorist dictator and deliver him to face justice. These service members gave the Venezuelan people something they haven't had in years: hope.

While these service members cannot receive bounty payments (they were executing lawful orders under the chain of command), the spirit of that $50 million reward should still be honored.

We call on the U.S. government to take the following actions:

1. Redirect the $50M Maduro Reward Fund to Veterans' Care. Allocate the full $50 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically for:

• Treatment and rehabilitation of personnel injured during Operation Absolute Resolve.
• Enhanced care for Special Operations veterans.
• Mental health services for those who served in high-risk missions.
• Long-term disability support for combat-related injuries.

2. Provide Full Recognition and Support

• Ensure all service members involved receive appropriate military honors.
• Guarantee comprehensive, lifetime medical care for any injured personnel.
• Provide long-term support for families of those who served.

3. Stand Behind This Operation

• Publicly affirm America's commitment to combating narco-terrorism.
• Support the Venezuelan people's right to democratic self-determination.

Why This Matters

$50 million represents the highest value the U.S. government has ever placed on bringing a foreign leader to justice. These operators didn't just capture one man—they sent a message to narco-terrorists and dictators worldwide: there are consequences for trafficking drugs into American communities and terrorizing your own people.

Having covered coups, conflicts, and regime changes across three decades, we can say this: the Venezuelan people didn't watch politicians make promises—they watched soldiers deliver results.

This petition is not about enriching soldiers—it's about honoring service and ensuring care. A $50 million investment in veterans' care would provide:

• State-of-the-art treatment facilities for combat trauma.
• Comprehensive mental health programs for Special Operations personnel.
• Family support services and counseling.

The funds were promised. The mission succeeded. The commitment must be kept.

Sign this petition to demand that the $50 million bounty serves the men and women who earned it.