Former Green Beret Behind Failed Venezuela Raid Lashes Out at CIA, FBI

“Good Job, Fellas!”

“I want to congratulate the CIA and FBI on a job well done,” Goudreau said in an Instagram video, mocking their alleged interference. “Because of your efforts in Venezuela in 2020 to sabotage my executive-branch directed operation, Nicolás Maduro is getting sworn in today. Good job, fellas!”

Both the CIA and FBI declined to comment on Goudreau’s accusations.

The Raid: Operation Gideon

Operation Gideon, an ambitious but poorly executed attempt to oust Maduro, was led by a ragtag group of Venezuelan army deserters trained and armed in neighboring Colombia. Goudreau, a decorated combat veteran, allegedly provided weapons and logistical support through his Florida-based security company, Silvercorp USA.

Two days before the raid, an Associated Press investigation exposed the operation, detailing Goudreau’s efforts to secure funding from the Trump administration, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and private donors. The group’s incursion was quickly thwarted by Maduro’s forces, who had infiltrated the operation.

The debacle handed Maduro a propaganda victory, bolstering his claims of U.S. meddling and earning the raid the derisive nickname “Bay of Piglets,” referencing the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba.

Allegations of High-Level Support

Goudreau’s attorneys allege that he was recruited for the mission by Keith Schiller, a former bodyguard to Donald Trump. Schiller, acting outside any formal government capacity, purportedly introduced Goudreau to aides of Guaidó, who sought U.S. support to remove Maduro.

“Mr. Goudreau was advised that the operation was sanctioned and approved by the executive branch, particularly Vice President Mike Pence,” said Miami-based attorney Marissel Descalzo. Pence’s office, however, has denied any knowledge of the plot, dismissing Goudreau’s claims as baseless.

Guaidó’s aides reportedly severed ties with Goudreau months before the raid, citing concerns about his mental stability and lack of official U.S. support.

Prosecution’s Case

Goudreau is accused of smuggling weapons from Florida to Colombia as part of the raid. Prosecutors allege he used a yacht to transport ammunition, body armor, and AR-15 magazines, spending $90,000 on the vessel, which later sank in the Caribbean. DNA evidence allegedly links Goudreau to the smuggled weapons.

He is currently out on bond, residing in Florida under strict travel restrictions. His trial is scheduled for April.

Political Repercussions

The Biden administration recently increased the bounty on Maduro to $25 million, underscoring its ongoing opposition to his regime. Meanwhile, Goudreau has drawn parallels between his legal troubles and those of individuals prosecuted for the January 6 Capitol attack, expressing hope for a Trump return to the presidency.

“I can’t wait for Trump to get into office and absolutely annihilate the Department of Justice,” Goudreau declared in a recent video.

A Tarnished Legacy

The fallout from Operation Gideon has left Goudreau facing legal battles and accusations of recklessness. Critics argue the mission’s failure not only bolstered Maduro’s position but also embarrassed the U.S. government and its opposition allies.

As the case unfolds, Goudreau’s claims of high-level support will likely remain a contentious issue, shedding light on the murky intersections of private military ventures, U.S. foreign policy, and covert operations.

References

Associated Press. “AP Exclusive: Inside the failed Venezuela raid.” May 1, 2020.
U.S. Department of Justice. “Weapons Smuggling Charges Against Jordan Goudreau.” Federal Court Filings, 2023.
BBC News. “Operation Gideon: Venezuela’s ‘Bay of Piglets.’” May 2020.
Miami Herald. “Green Beret’s botched Venezuela raid linked to opposition aides.” January 2023.
Reuters. “U.S. raises bounty on Venezuela’s Maduro to $25 million.” January 5, 2025.

Archives