Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump sought insights from Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot regarding potential Venezuelan reactions to the planned capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. This interaction allegedly took place during a private meeting with Musk in December 2025, just weeks prior to the military operation that eventually apprehended Maduro.

An unnamed US official disclosed to TIME that Trump dedicated hours to questioning Grok about various aspects, including how the Venezuelan populace might respond if Maduro were to be captured by US forces. Grok reportedly provided the president with a detailed assessment, indicating that Maduro was viewed unfavourably by many and suggesting that his capture would likely be met with celebrations among Venezuelans.

The Capture of Maduro

The US military operation that captured Maduro occurred on January 3, 2026. Following the operation, reports emerged of widespread celebrations in Venezuela, reinforcing the chatbot’s predictions. The interaction with Grok seemingly left Trump with the impression that the AI had provided valuable insights, as the reactions in Venezuela matched Grok’s analysis.

According to the same official, Trump was reportedly impressed by Grok’s capabilities, with the chatbot’s foresight appearing to align closely with subsequent events. This consultation came at a time when Trump was already engaged with advancements in artificial intelligence and exploring their potential applications in governance.

At the time of the conversation, the Trump administration was also involved in military actions targeting Venezuelan vessels alleged to be connected to drug trafficking. These operations highlighted the administration’s broader strategy regarding military intervention in Venezuela.

Wider Military Applications of Grok

The report by TIME further elaborates on the use of Grok within military contexts, stating that it had been employed to assist in target deployment during the Iran war. The Pentagon has been integrating various AI systems into its military operations to enhance strategic effectiveness.

The development underscores the increasing emphasis by the US government on incorporating artificial intelligence for military planning and operations on the battlefield. Grok, as part of this initiative, indicates a commitment to leveraging innovative technology in defence strategies.

Additionally, the Pentagon has announced intentions for Musk and technology entrepreneur Palmer Luckey to co-lead a study investigating advanced technologies’ roles in warfare. This collaboration highlights a growing trend within military circles to explore how AI and other cutting-edge technologies can be utilised for national security and efficiency in military actions.

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