Washington, D.C. — Democrats sharply criticized the Trump administration Saturday after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces carried out a large-scale strike in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, arguing the operation lacked congressional authorization and violated constitutional limits on executive power.
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said senior administration officials misled Congress about U.S. intentions, accusing the White House of sidestepping lawmakers because public support for another military conflict is weak. Kim warned the operation could endanger Americans in the region and damage U.S. credibility abroad. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a combat veteran, called the action an “unjustified war,” saying it echoed past conflicts launched without clear authorization or strategy.
House Democrats raised similar concerns. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) questioned how the administration could fund military action while arguing against domestic health care spending, while Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) said U.S. troops deserve leadership that operates “lawfully and strategically.”
Republicans largely backed the president. Vice President J.D. Vance argued the action was lawful because Maduro faces U.S. indictments for narco-terrorism, while Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) praised the operation and urged Venezuela’s interim leadership to cooperate with U.S. authorities.
The White House has framed the strike as a law-enforcement action tied to longstanding criminal charges, but legal scholars note Congress has not authorized military force against Venezuela. The debate now centers on whether criminal indictments can substitute for constitutional war powers.
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