Gavin Newsom criticizes Donald Trump over the arrest of Nicolas Maduro

Governor Newsom and Democrats Criticize Trump Over Maduro Arrest

Governor Gavin Newsom, eyeing a potential 2028 presidential bid, has publicly expressed his disapproval regarding Operation Absolute Solution, an operation in which the U.S. military swiftly apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

In his statement, Newsom condemned both Maduro, referring to him as a “thug and a criminal,” and President Trump, suggesting that the latter poses a threat to the United States. He stated, “Trump’s vision for Venezuela seems mainly focused on an oil grab, lacking a coherent long-term strategy. We need to focus on democracy, human rights, and stability instead.” This sentiment resonates throughout the Democratic party, with many criticizing the approach taken by Trump.

California’s Democrats and Congressional members have lined up to label Maduro’s capture as a diversion and a blatant attempt to steal oil resources.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who plans to run for Newsom’s vacant seat, echoed similar concerns. She accused Trump of acting like a “regional strongman,” targeting Venezuela’s oil reserves without a legitimate plan for withdrawal, arguing that this action aligns more with Trump’s agenda than with the interests of American citizens.

Notably, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg went further, suggesting that Trump is initiating a “war for regime change” to draw attention away from his domestic economic shortcomings.

“Americans do not want their leaders to ‘run’ foreign nations while failing to make improvements here at home,” Buttigieg commented.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised Trump for pardoning former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, implying that the focus should be less about drugs and more about oil and regime change concerns, stating that a trial is necessary to address these distractions.

As tensions escalate, progressives are rallying against what they see as an “illegal war,” while some moderate Democrats strive for a more careful positioning. Senator Mark Kelly recognized Maduro as a “brutal and illegitimate dictator” but hesitated to support military intervention, recalling the Iraq War consequences.

Senator Ruben Gallego, also from Arizona, expressed a more direct sentiment: “No matter how it unfolds, it is wrong to initiate this conflict in Venezuela.”