Jordan Goudreau, born in Canada and later becoming a U.S. citizen, served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces. His military career was distinguished by multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he specialized in counterterrorism operations and special operations tactics. Goudreau retired from active service in 2016 after a long tenure marked by commendations for his service.
Following his military retirement, he founded Silvercorp USA, a private security firm based in Florida, focusing on risk assessment and security consulting.
Involvement in the 2020 Venezuela Coup Attempt (Operation Gideon)
Background of Operation Gideon
In May 2020, Jordan Goudreau orchestrated Operation Gideon, a failed paramilitary attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The plan involved a small group of Venezuelan dissidents and U.S. contractors attempting to infiltrate Venezuela by sea, capture Maduro, and trigger a coup.
Key Events:
- The operation failed almost immediately, with Venezuelan security forces intercepting the raiders before they could advance inland.
- Several participants were killed or captured, including two former U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner by Venezuelan authorities.
- Goudreau took public responsibility for the mission, releasing a video claiming the raid was legitimate and coordinated by his security firm Silvercorp USA.
Allegations and Fallout:
- Goudreau claimed he had direct ties to the Trump administration and was promised support, though the U.S. government denied involvement.
- He later accused U.S. intelligence agencies (CIA and FBI) of sabotaging the mission. (AP News, 1 day ago)
Legal Troubles and Arrest
In July 2024, Goudreau was arrested in New York and charged with:
- Arms Smuggling: Allegedly smuggling weapons and military equipment to Venezuela without proper export licenses.
- Conspiracy: Working alongside his partner Yacsy Álvarez in the coup attempt.
Federal prosecutors cited violations of U.S. export laws and arms trafficking as the basis for his charges. (The New York Times, Jul 31, 2024)
Public Statements and Accusations
Since his arrest, Goudreau has publicly claimed:
- The CIA and FBI actively undermined his efforts in Venezuela.
- He was part of a broader attempt to “liberate Venezuela” from dictatorship but was set up to fail. (Devdiscourse, 1 day ago)
These allegations have fueled speculation of covert U.S. involvement in Latin American affairs, though official sources have denied his claims.
Media Coverage and Documentaries
Goudreau’s role in Operation Gideon has been the subject of significant media scrutiny and a recent documentary titled “Men of War”, directed by Jen Gatien and released by Neon in August 2024. The documentary explores the events of the Venezuela raid, his motivations, and the aftermath. (Variety, Aug 2, 2024)
Personal Life and Controversies
Goudreau maintains a controversial reputation, balancing his decorated military service with accusations of recklessness and vigilante behavior in international affairs. His anti-Maduro stance has made him both a symbol of anti-authoritarian efforts and a figure of criticism for his handling of the coup attempt.
Legacy and Impact
Jordan Goudreau’s legacy remains highly polarizing, marked by:
- Heroism in military service.
- Recklessness in his involvement in unsanctioned foreign interventions.
- His arrest and ongoing legal battles continue to shape the narrative around private military contractors and U.S. involvement in Latin America.
