President Trump ridiculed the Venezuelan military as wimpy Tuesday, saying U.S. Marines would never run for cover like Venezuelan soldiers did during a recent drone bomb attack at a public ceremony.
At the United Nations, Mr. Trump told reporters that the regime of strongman Nicolas Maduro “could be toppled very quickly by the military if the military decides to do that.”
“You saw how the military spread as soon as they heard a bomb go off way above their head,” Mr. Trump said of the attack in August that was captured on video. “That military was running for cover. That’s not good. I don’t think the Marines would have run.”
He turned to his chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly.
“What did you think, General Kelly? Do the Marines run when they hear a bomb go off?” the president asked.
“They don’t know how to run,” Mr. Kelly replied.
“They don’t know how,” Mr. Trump repeated. “You know what they do? They run toward the bomb, right? That’s even better.”
The drone attack unfolded as Mr. Maduro addressed a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Venezuelan national guard in downtown Caracas. As the bombs detonated overhead, soldiers were seen breaking ranks and scattering to take cover. Seven soldiers were wounded.
Mr. Maduro blamed the attack on neighboring Colombia, which has denied involvement.
Asked how dangerous Mr. Maduro’s regime is to national security, Mr. Trump replied, “Well, it’s dangerous for their security. It’s dangerous for their people’s security. It’s a regime that frankly could be toppled very quickly by the military if the military decides to do that.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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