At a Glance
- President Trump ordered the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, and a large-scale strike on the country.
- Democratic lawmakers say the move violated U.S. law and congressional approval.
- Republicans praise the operation as a success against drug trafficking.
- Why it matters: It raises questions about executive power and foreign policy direction.
President Trump’s operation to capture Venezuelan leader Maduro and strike the country sparks a debate; Democrats call it illegal, Republicans praise drug-trafficking win.
Democratic Criticism
Sen. Andy Kim criticized the administration for bypassing congressional approval. He said the operation was illegal and a danger to U.S. interests.
Sen. Andy Kim stated:
> “Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn’t about regime change. I didn’t trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress,”
Sen. Andy Kim added:
> “Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war.”
Sen. Andy Kim continued:
> “This strike doesn’t represent strength. It’s not sound foreign policy. It puts Americans at risk in Venezuela and the region, and it sends a horrible and disturbing signal to other powerful leaders across the globe that targeting a head of state is an acceptable policy for the U.S. government.”
Sen. Andy Kim warned:
> “This will further damage our reputation – already hurt by Trump’s policies around the world – and only isolate us in a time when we need our friends and allies more than ever.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego called the action “illegal” and “embarrassing” for the U.S.
Sen. Ruben Gallego wrote:
> “This war is illegal, it’s embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego added:
> “There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego reflected on his Iraq War experience:
> “I fought in some of the hardest battles of the Iraq War. Saw my brothers die, saw civilians being caught in the crossfire all for an unjustified war. No matter the outcome we are in the wrong for starting this war in Venezuela.”
Rep. Jim McGovern questioned the operation’s legality and budget priorities.
Rep. Jim McGovern stated:
> “Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela.”
Rep. Jim McGovern added:
> “He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans – but somehow we have unlimited funds for war??”
Republican Support
Sen. Tim Cotton defended the strike as a move against drug trafficking.
Sen. Tim Cotton wrote:
> “Maduro wasn’t just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation. That’s why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.”
Sen. Tim Cotton praised the administration:
> “I commend President Trump and our brave troops and law-enforcement officers for this incredible operation.”
Sen. Tim Cotton urged Venezuelan leaders to choose a different path:
> “The interim government in Venezuela must now decide whether to continue the drug trafficking and colluding with adversaries like Iran and Cuba or whether to act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world. I urge them to choose wisely.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi outlined the charges against Maduro.
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote:
> “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi added that Maduro faces U.S. court action.
> “They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
Legal and Operational Context
The operation involved capturing Maduro and his wife, flying them out of Venezuela, and conducting a large-scale strike on the country. Maduro was indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism charges for allegedly weaponizing cocaine. The Department of Justice increased the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s operation bypassed congressional approval, sparking a bipartisan debate.
- Democrats label the strike illegal and a threat to U.S. interests.
- Republicans praise the move as a drug-trafficking win and a success against Maduro’s regime.
The clash over the operation highlights the tension between executive authority and congressional oversight in U.S. foreign policy.
