Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 6: The Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela have triggered a fierce political confrontation in Washington, with Democrats accusing the White House of pursuing reckless regime change while Republicans argue the move was legal, narrowly focused, and necessary for national security.
Senior administration officials briefed congressional leaders on recent military developments, but Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the classified session left him more concerned than reassured. He described the briefing as lengthy yet lacking clarity, arguing that the administration failed to present a coherent strategy.
Schumer said the administration offered no convincing explanation of its long-term objectives or governance plans for Venezuela. He also warned that the briefing did not rule out similar actions elsewhere, cautioning that past US-led regime-change efforts have repeatedly harmed American interests. “I left the briefing worried that this could once again end badly,” he said.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the administration’s claim that the operation amounted to a law-enforcement action. He said the public was being misled and characterized the move as an extraordinary military intervention. While acknowledging that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is an authoritarian leader, Jeffries stressed that Venezuela’s political future should be determined internally and warned against drifting into another unnecessary foreign conflict.
Republicans strongly rejected those criticisms. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the United States was neither at war nor occupying Venezuela and insisted that no American troops were deployed inside the country. He emphasized that while Congress holds the power to declare war, the Constitution grants the president broad authority as commander-in-chief.
Johnson argued that the War Powers Act did not require advance congressional approval in this case and said lawmakers were notified within hours of the operation. He added that prior notification could have compromised the mission and endangered US personnel. According to Johnson, Congress continues to have full oversight, and the administration acted within legal boundaries.
Defending the operation, Johnson accused Maduro of fueling drug trafficking and violence that directly affected Americans. He noted that Maduro has been indicted in US courts and said his arrest demonstrated accountability. Other Republicans echoed this stance, praising the operation as a display of American capability. Representative Brian Mast said the mission underscored US military and law-enforcement superiority, describing it as an example of “peace through strength.”
Democrats remained unconvinced. Senator Edward J. Markey, in a letter to President Donald Trump, condemned the operation as unlawful and unjustified. He took particular issue with Trump’s remarks suggesting the United States would “run” Venezuela and manage its oil industry, saying such statements raised serious legal and ethical concerns. Markey argued the action appeared driven by oil interests rather than democracy or security and urged the administration to halt further action and seek congressional authorization.
Meanwhile, Republican support for the operation extended beyond Capitol Hill. Speaking in Florida, Senator Rick Scott praised what he called the administration’s decisive leadership in arresting Maduro. He thanked President Trump and senior cabinet officials, describing the move as a major step toward justice and regional stability.
Scott labeled Maduro a major criminal figure and said the operation brought Venezuela closer to peace and freedom. He credited the administration with cutting off Maduro’s financial lifelines, reversing earlier policies, designating violent cartels as terrorist organizations, and carrying out targeted actions aimed at weakening the regime.