US : officials disagree on Venezuela’s actions
US: Republicans said the operation was legitimate, restricted, and justifiable, while Democrats warned of reckless regime change in response to the Trump administration’s activities in Venezuela.
Congressional leadership was updated on military developments in Venezuela by senior administration officials. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Leader of the Senate, said that the secret briefing left more questions than answers.
“This briefing was lengthy and very thorough, but it raised far more questions than it ever addressed,” Schumer said. He said it was unclear what the administration’s strategy was. He said that their proposal for the US to govern Venezuela was unsatisfactory, nebulous, and based on wishful thinking.
Schumer said that he was not given any guarantees that such measures would not be implemented in other places. “This type of regime change and so-called nation building by the United States always ends up hurting the United States,” he added. “I felt that it would again when I left the briefing.”
The administration’s assertion that the operation was a law enforcement effort was already denied by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. According to Jeffries, “this was not a law enforcement action.” “When they say that, they are deceiving the American people. It was a military action never seen before.
Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, is “a bad guy” and “a dictator,” according to Jeffries, but the people of Venezuela should determine the country’s destiny. Against “another unjustified foreign war,” he issued a warning.
Citing national security and presidential power, Republicans resisted. The United States is not at war, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
“We’re not engaged in combat. The United States does not have military troops in Venezuela. Additionally, Johnson said, “We are not occupying that country.” According to him, the Constitution grants the president considerable powers as commander-in-chief while simultaneously granting Congress the ability to declare war.
According to Johnson, previous legislative permission is not necessary under the War Powers Act. Within hours, he added, Congress was informed. He went on to say that giving earlier notification may have resulted in leaks and endangered US soldiers.
Johnson said, “Congress retains full oversight authority.” He said that the government was operating legally.
Johnson defended the operation itself as well. He accused Maduro of causing violence against Americans and drug traffickers. He said that Maduro’s detention demonstrated “what accountability looks like” and that he had been charged in US courts.
That opinion was shared by other Republicans. According to Rep. Brian Mast, the United States has unparalleled military and law enforcement capabilities. Mast referred to the operation as an example of “peace through strength” and said that only the United States of America could do it.
Democrats continued to be dubious. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Senator Edward J. Markey described the events in Venezuela as “unlawful, unjustified, and unwise.” He took issue with Trump’s claims that the US will “run” Venezuela and its oil sector.
According to Markey, the comments generated “serious concerns” about their purpose and legality. He said that the action was motivated more by oil interests than by security or democracy. He encouraged the government to seek legislative authority and cease hostilities.
During his speech in Florida, Senator Rick Scott commended the Trump administration’s “decisive actions” in Maduro’s detention.
“A clear example of Trump’s peace through strength agenda in action,” Scott stated, praising President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Hegseth for their amazing achievement in apprehending Nicolas Maduro and ensuring he may face justice in the United States.
Maduro, according to Scott, is “an evil drug trafficker and cartel leader,” and the operation has pushed Venezuela “closer than ever to peace and freedom.” He praised the government for severing Maduro’s assets, overturning earlier decisions, labeling deadly gangs as international terrorist groups, and launching targeted attacks.