Democrats Critique Trump’s Unauthorized Actions in Venezuela
Leaders of the Democratic Party have recognized the positive aspect of removing the Venezuelan dictator, yet they expressed disapproval over President Trump’s decision to initiate “Operation Absolute Resolve” to capture Nicolas Maduro without the approval of Congress.
Many Democrats are urging Congress to enact a War Powers Act resolution this week to restrict future military actions in Venezuela.
“Mr. Maduro is a truly awful person, but he doesn’t approach illegal activities like any other illegal activity, and that’s what unfolded here,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked during an interview on ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday.
“They didn’t just go after ships; they bombed military and civilian sites in Venezuela. What they did, without Congress’s go-ahead, is illegal,” he added.
Last month, the House, held by Republicans, rejected two separate moves by Trump aimed at limiting military authority. Schumer pointed out that this incident should compel Congress to act more urgently to curtail Trump’s military powers.
He went on to criticize Trump’s strategy for addressing Venezuela as a “backstage operation,” cautioning that any attempts to modernize the country’s oil extraction would be a lengthy process.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also echoed Schumer’s concerns, asserting that the Trump administration doesn’t have a clear plan for the aftermath in Venezuela.
“Sure, he’s a bad guy and will be tried,” Jeffries noted on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “But right now, we’ll take this to an American court. It’s uncertain whether Venezuelans will actually benefit. Trump claims he’s in charge of Venezuela, but he’s done a poor job running the U.S.”
There are murmurs among some Democrats that the party’s deadlock over the Maduro situation is portraying them as lacking strength. As a Democratic lawmaker from a crucial district put it, “If we don’t recognize our country’s achievements when they happen, we risk losing all credibility.”
Trump declared at a news conference following Maduro’s detention, “We run the country,” though he provided scant details on that claim.
Meanwhile, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as acting president. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked after meeting with Rodriguez that she lacks legitimacy.
Rubio contended that the Trump administration had the legal authority to conduct “law enforcement operations” in Venezuela since Maduro isn’t considered a legitimate leader.
Some Republicans also criticized Trump, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massey. Greene expressed concern that post-regime change in Venezuela could lead jobs to shift south, as major corporations look to capitalize on new business opportunities there while Americans face limited options.
Senator Chris Murphy described the operation as primarily focused on oil and resources, suggesting it serves to financially benefit Trump’s associates.
A more extreme view came from a far-left candidate in Maine, who called for “comrades” to resist Trump and reclaim America, stating, “This is gang activity on an international scale,” during a rally.
Jim Himes, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, voiced frustrations over the Trump administration’s lack of communication regarding the operation. Himes, along with Schumer and Jeffries, is part of the “Gang of Eight,” a group privy to the highest level of classified briefings.
“It seems America no longer has a Congress,” Himes remarked on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He added, “I haven’t heard from anyone in the administration yet. Regardless of whether there are leaks, the law requires presidents to inform Congress.”
In response, Rubio stated that the Trump administration wasn’t bound to notify Congress beforehand.
“There was no need for advanced notice as this wasn’t an invasion. We didn’t occupy the country; it was an arrest and enforcement operation,” he stated on ABC’s “This Week.” “Moreover, this is an emergency situation, and operational security is a top priority.”
