MIAMI (AP) - A former Green Beret, Jordan Goudreau, is facing weapons smuggling charges related to his long-debated plot to invade Venezuela in 2020 with the intent to overthrow Nicolás Maduro. Goudreau accused the CIA and FBI of sabotaging his mission while claiming to have had the support of the Trump administration. His attorneys have asserted in court that Goudreau had “authority from the highest levels of the executive branch” for the clandestine operation that ultimately resulted in several combatants being killed and two U.S. Special Forces members captured and imprisoned in Venezuela.

The details of Goudreau’s allegations coincided with his reappearance on social media, where he criticized the U.S. government's actions that he believes empowered Maduro. This video was released on the same day Maduro was sworn in for a third term, an event surrounded by claims of election fraud from the U.S. and others.

“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 stated in the Instagram video. He praised their supposed interference while flashing a thumb-up sign. The CIA and FBI have declined to comment on Goudreau's accusations.

Goudreau was arrested in Manhattan last year on federal weapons smuggling charges in connection with the failed coup. Just two days before the planned incursion, an AP investigation indicated that Goudreau sought to raise funds for his operation from various sources, including the Trump administration and wealthy individuals interested in the Venezuelan oil market should Maduro be removed.

The investigation did not find evidence that the U.S. government approved Goudreau’s invasion. The makeshift group of Venezuelan army deserters Goudreau was alleged to have trained and armed ultimately faced significant setbacks when they were apprehended by Venezuela’s security forces, who had already infiltrated the team. Several combatants were killed in the raid and two of Goudreau's former colleagues from the Green Berets faced years in prison until a prisoner swap occurred the previous year.

The ill-fated mission, labeled “Operation Gideon,” became a public relations victory for Maduro, who has consistently accused the United States of meddling in Venezuelan affairs. This event also drew mocking comparisons to the historical “Bay of Pigs” invasion attempt in Cuba.

Goudreau's attorneys argue that he was recruited for the operation by Keith Schiller, a former bodyguard to President Donald Trump. They allege that Schiller arranged meetings between Goudreau and aides to Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan opposition leader. In court filings, Goudreau’s attorney claimed he was led to believe that the operation was sanctioned and had the approval of the U.S. executive branch, particularly Vice President Mike Pence. However, Pence has denied any knowledge of the plot and dismissed Goudreau's assertions as false.

In light of Goudreau's claims, aides to Guaidó reportedly severed ties with him months before the raid, citing concerns about his mental stability and lack of U.S. government support. While the Trump administration publicly distanced itself from Goudreau's actions, he remains hopeful that his circumstances might change with the return of Trump to office, scheduled for later this month.

Goudreau has made further declarations suggesting parallels between his legal struggles and those faced by individuals charged for participating in the January 6 Capitol riots. Notably, filmmaker Jen Gatien, who made a documentary featuring Goudreau, posted her $2 million Manhattan loft as bond to facilitate his release as he prepares for trial in April. Conditions of his release require him to remain in Florida, staying with a fellow veteran.

The prosecution intends to introduce DNA evidence at Goudreau's trial, indicating his handling of some of the 60 weapons allegedly smuggled from Florida to Colombia. Additionally, prosecutors claim that he expended $90,000 on a yacht that was used to transport armaments and other military supplies for the operation; the vessel has since sunk in the Caribbean, although Goudreau and an accomplice were rescued by a passing tanker.