U.S. Operation in Venezuela Defended by Secretary of State Rubio

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela during an interview with NBC News host Kristen Welker. She questioned him on the absence of Congressional approval for the action.

Referring to comments made by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to Vanity Fair, Welker pointed out that any attack on the Venezuelan mainland would typically require such authorization. She asked Rubio why that hadn’t occurred, raising the issue of whether future operations would be handled similarly.

The U.S. executed an operation in Venezuela on Saturday under the banner of Operation Absolute Solution, which involved detaining President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Rubio clarified his stance, stating, “This was not an act that required Congressional approval.” He emphasized that it wasn’t an invasion but rather a precise, short operation that needed to unfold under specific conditions.

He added, “We couldn’t afford to have a leak. That could jeopardize the mission.” In this context, he highlighted the importance of timing and conditions for the operation’s success.

When Welker asked about collaboration with Congress moving forward, Rubio assured that they would pursue necessary approvals for actions that warrant them, although he noted that this particular strategy falls in line with practices seen over past decades.

President Donald Trump, for his part, commented that the U.S. would maintain its control in Venezuela until a safe transition of power takes place. He framed this involvement as essential to stabilize the situation, aiming for peace, freedom, and justice for Venezuelans, particularly those who have sought asylum in the U.S.

Trump reiterated, “We will continue to run our country until we can have a safe, proper and wise transition of power.”