U.S. Officials Split on Trump’s Urgent Venezuela Invasion
BREAKING: A wave of opposition is emerging among U.S. elected officials regarding President Trump’s recent military invasion of Venezuela aimed at deposing President Nicolás Maduro. Just hours after the operation commenced on October 28, 2023, lawmakers from both parties are voicing their concerns and skepticism about the legality and potential consequences of this aggressive action.
The invasion has garnered praise from many Republican leaders, but a notable faction within the party is condemning the action as misguided. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) took to the House floor, stating, “If the President believes military action against Venezuela is needed, he should make the case and Congress should vote before American lives and treasure are spent on regime change in South America.”
Another Republican voice of dissent, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), criticized the operation on social media, arguing that it contradicts conservative principles of “America First” and is a continuation of unnecessary military aggression. “Americans’ disgust with our own government’s never-ending military aggression is justified,” Greene posted on X, referring to the financial burden of such actions.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, voiced mixed feelings, praising the operation but warning that it could embolden authoritarian regimes in countries like China and Russia. “Freedom and rule of law were defended last night,” Bacon tweeted, “but dictators will try to exploit this.”
Even within the Senate, prominent Republicans such as Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) have expressed skepticism. Paul tweeted, “In this case, a leader who monopolized central power is removed in an action that monopolizes central power.” He emphasized the importance of Congressional authorization to limit the horrors of war.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan from Alaska acknowledged the potential benefits of ousting Maduro but cautioned against the risks of U.S. military involvement. Murkowski mentioned her previous votes against escalating military operations without Congressional approval and anticipates further briefings on the legal justification for the invasion.
“The lessons learned from what took place after the United States deposed another Latin American indicted drug lord—Panama’s Manuel Noriega in 1989—could prove useful,” Sullivan noted.
On the other side of the aisle, most Democratic lawmakers are united in their condemnation of Trump’s invasion. New York City’s new Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he directly opposed the action, emphasizing it violates federal and international laws. “I called the President and spoke with him directly to register my opposition,” Mamdani said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Trump of acting in bad faith and undermining the U.S. Constitution. “The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans,” Schumer stated, reflecting widespread concern over the implications of unilateral military action.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) criticized the military action as potentially disastrous, warning that Trump risks plunging the region into chaos without Congressional approval. “Donald Trump has once again shown his contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law,” remarked Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), framing the invasion as an act of imperialism.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also weighed in, asserting that the invasion serves as a distraction from pressing domestic issues. “It’s not about drugs,” she stated, alluding to Trump’s earlier pardoning of a major drug trafficker. “It’s about oil and regime change.”
The intense backlash from various lawmakers illustrates a significant split in opinions regarding U.S. foreign policy and military intervention. As the situation develops, lawmakers are calling for urgent discussions and clarity on the legal grounds for this unprecedented action.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, with further reactions expected from both sides of the aisle in the coming hours.
