Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from South Florida with a significant Venezuelan community in her district, broke rank with her party on Saturday to commend President Donald Trump’s arrest of socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.
Wasserman Schultz expressed that the U.S. military efforts aimed at ousting Maduro were “welcome news” for the many Venezuelans living in exile. However, she emphasized that Congress should have been kept informed about the operation. In stark contrast, a number of Congressional Democrats quickly condemned the military action as illegal and against U.S. interests.
She remarked, “The arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the cruel and unjust ruler who oppressed the Venezuelan people, is welcome news to our friends and neighbors who have fled his violent, lawless and disastrous rule,” in a post on X on Saturday morning.
The South Florida lawmaker, previously the chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2016, also called for a “liberated Venezuela” that fosters democratic governance, arguing that “there’s no point in cutting off a snake’s head if it will only regrow.” She added that the military action presents a chance for Venezuelans to elect a genuine leader, specifically naming Edmundo González.
Florida Representative Darren Soto, a fellow Democrat, expressed support for the operation as a “huge step towards #VenezuelaLibre,” while criticizing Trump for bypassing Congressional approval, which the administration claimed was unnecessary.
Several Congressional Democrats who worked for months to limit Trump’s military powers regarding Venezuela condemned the operation. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego tweeted early Saturday, labeling it “the second unjust war” he had experienced and deeming the military action “illegal.” He said there was no justification for war with Venezuela.
California Senator Adam Schiff, a strong critic of Trump, voiced concerns, stating that starting a war to unseat Maduro would not only breach the Constitution but also damage America’s global reputation. He mentioned that it could lead to similar actions by adversaries.
On the Republican side, some criticized the notion that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela without further contemplation of military actions. Nonetheless, many Florida lawmakers backed the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who face federal charges in New York.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar declared, “Maduro’s drug dictatorship is over,” asserting that those who have harmed children and turned Venezuela into a dangerous state would face justice in the U.S.
Florida Senator Rick Scott stated, “This is peace at the peak of strength,” adding that America and the world are now safer after the military operation.
South Florida hosts the largest Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S., with approximately 40% of Doral’s residents being of Venezuelan descent.
