The U.S. military operation against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro have triggered sharp divisions among American lawmakers, with Democrats condemning the action as illegal and Republicans largely backing President Donald Trump’s decision as a necessary step against drug trafficking.
The reactions in Washington followed months of escalating tensions with Caracas and immediately raised questions about congressional oversight, constitutional authority, and the broader implications of targeting a foreign head of state.
While Republican officials framed the operation as a law enforcement and security measure, Democrats warned it risks entangling the United States in another foreign conflict without public support.
Democratic lawmakers broadly criticized the strikes and Maduro’s capture as violations of international law and the U.S. Constitution.
Representative Rashida Tlaib described the operation as an illegal act of regime change and said the American public does not want another foreign war.
Senator Andy Kim accused senior administration officials of misleading Congress about the goals of U.S. pressure on Venezuela and said the strike rejected constitutionally required approval for armed conflict.
Kim argued the operation does not represent sound foreign policy and places Americans at risk in Venezuela and the wider region.
Representative Betty McCollum called the strikes “blatantly illegal” and said Congress had not authorized the use of force, urging House leadership to reconvene to curb presidential authority.
Senator Reuben Gallego said there was no justification for war with Venezuela, while Representative Jim McGovern said the action lacked congressional authorization and contradicted public opposition to military intervention.
Other Democrats warned the operation could damage U.S. credibility and normalize targeting foreign leaders.
Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials defended the operation as lawful and necessary.
Senator Tom Cotton praised the military and said Maduro had been indicted for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, adding that he would face justice in U.S. courts.
Cotton warned Venezuelan authorities to abandon ties to adversaries and criminal activity.
Senator Mike Lee said the military action was deployed to protect those executing an arrest warrant and likely fell within presidential authority under Article II.
Vice President JD Vance said the operation showed Trump “means what he says” and argued Maduro could not evade U.S. justice.
Analysts cautioned that the strikes represent a significant escalation, with uncertainty over whether they will lead to prolonged instability or resistance inside Venezuela.