Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 5: Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has sharply criticised President Donald Trump’s military action against Venezuela and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, calling it a clear departure from his “America First” campaign promise.

Greene, who has publicly fallen out with Trump in recent months, said the move contradicted the President’s pledge during the 2024 election campaign to end US involvement in foreign conflicts. While stating that she does not support Maduro and was “happy” for the people of Venezuela, she questioned the administration’s claim that the operation was linked to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Greene argued that if Trump was serious about tackling drug trafficking, his focus should be on other actors, including Mexican cartels. She accused Washington of following an old playbook that benefits corporations, banks and oil executives rather than ordinary Americans.

“This is the same Washington playbook that we are so sick and tired of,” Greene said, adding that her understanding of “America First” is policy strictly centred on the American people.

Greene, who announced earlier this year that she would resign from Congress following disputes with Trump over airstrikes on Venezuelan boats and the release of files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will serve her final day in office on January 5. Her remarks, however, highlight a growing divide in Congress, including within Republican ranks, over Trump’s actions in Venezuela.

Defending the move, Trump said the intervention was consistent with his America First agenda and aimed at protecting oil interests in Venezuela. He told reporters that energy stability in the region was vital, noting that Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves.

Trump suggested that Maduro’s capture would allow US oil and gas companies greater access to those reserves and said the oil infrastructure would be rebuilt at a cost of billions of dollars, funded by oil companies and later reimbursed.

Greene, along with Democrats and some Republicans, questioned the President’s motives and raised concerns about the legality of ordering military action without congressional authorisation. She rejected Trump’s description of Venezuela as part of America’s “neighbourhood,” insisting that the US should focus on its own territory.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky also expressed scepticism, pointing out that the Justice Department’s indictment of Maduro made no mention of fentanyl or stolen oil. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly defended Trump, saying the President was putting American lives first and preventing criminal regimes from harming the US.

As she prepares to leave Congress, Greene also addressed her feud with Trump, accusing him of attacking her after she demanded transparency over the Epstein files. She said it was unacceptable for the President to label her a “traitor” despite her strong support for him in the past.