Former Green Beret Claims CIA Sabotaged Venezuela Coup Attempt

MIAMI (AP) — Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. Green Beret, has accused the CIA and FBI of sabotaging his 2020 attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. In a recent court filing and social media post, Goudreau claimed his operation, dubbed “Operation Gideon,” had approval from high-ranking U.S. officials, including then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Goudreau, who faces weapons smuggling charges in Tampa federal court, stated in a video posted on Instagram that the U.S. intelligence agencies’ actions allowed Maduro to remain in power. “I want to congratulate the CIA and FBI on a job well done. Because of your efforts in Venezuela in 2020 to sabotage my executive-branch directed operation, Nicolás Maduro is getting sworn in today,” Goudreau said, flashing a thumbs-up sign.

The failed coup attempt, which took place in May 2020, involved a ragtag group of about 60 Venezuelan military deserters and two other former U.S. Green Berets. The operation, poorly planned and underfunded, ended in disaster, with several combatants killed and two Americans captured by Venezuelan forces. The raid, widely ridiculed as the “Bay of Piglets,” became a propaganda victory for Maduro, who has long accused the U.S. of attempting to destabilize his regime.

Goudreau’s attorneys allege that he was recruited for the mission by Keith Schiller, a former bodyguard to President Donald Trump, and that the operation had the backing of the Trump administration. However, U.S. officials have denied any involvement, and the Biden administration has since increased the bounty on Maduro to $25 million for drug trafficking charges.

Goudreau, who was arrested in 2024 on federal arms trafficking charges, remains under house arrest in Florida as he awaits trial. His case continues to draw attention due to its controversial nature and his claims of high-level government involvement.