At Mar-a-Lago, during the unveiling of the US raid on Venezuela, Vice President J.D. Vance was notably absent. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials celebrated, Vance did not appear in the 'war room' or at the press event praising the operation. His absence sparked speculation about his stance. Rubio led the public defense of the raid, calling it an anti-Communist strike and a blow against narcotics and cartels. Trump highlighted Venezuela’s oil as a key factor. Vance later posted a careful statement on X, acknowledging the drug threat and the loss of American oil assets. Yet he avoided endorsing the operation's long-term goals. Political observers see Vance’s absence as strategic caution. He knows such military actions can be unpopular and risky, especially within Trump’s coalition that includes many anti-war supporters. His silence keeps him loyal without fully owning the intervention. Meanwhile, Rubio shines as the hawkish face of the move. Vance’s restraint signals his attempt to balance loyalty to Trump with political survival. This move fits Vance’s reputation as a careful political operator who understands when to speak and when to wait. The raid on Venezuela remains Trump’s most significant foreign policy act of his second term, but it lacks a clear public plan, with varied explanations from drug control to oil interests. Vance’s cautious approach reflects his awareness of the complex political stakes behind the raid. He chooses to stay in the background, ready to adapt as the situation unfolds.