At a Glance
- U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Maduro, sparking outrage from Los Angeles Democrats.
- Trump vows to run Venezuela until a “judicious” transfer of power.
- Why it matters: The raid challenges U.S. constitutional limits on military force and could destabilize the region.
Los Angeles County Democrats blasted the U.S. raid on Saturday, calling it a reckless, unconstitutional act that bypassed Congress and threatened regional stability.
Congressional Response
Los Angeles County Democrats expressed outrage, demanding a briefing on legal justification and a plan for stability.
- Rep. Gil Cisneros stated:
> “The president has lost his mind. There was no approval from Congress, let alone any notification.”
- Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove said:
> “After months of extrajudicial killings, the rogue president escalated by carrying out military strikes in Venezuela without any declaration of war or authorization from Congress.”
- Rep. Maxine Waters posted on X:
> “Trump has supposedly abducted President Maduro and his wife and brought them to the United States for trial, supposedly for drug trafficking and bringing drugs to the United States.”
- Rep. Nanette Barragan called Maduro a bully and warned the president has no right to storm another country.
- Rep. Judy Chu wrote:
> “President Trump just bombed Venezuela and arrested its leader without any explanation to the American people and without authorization from Congress.”
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez noted the action is illegal without congressional authorization.
- Rep. George Whitesides said the raid was taken without consulting Congress and that Article I gives Congress the power to declare war.
- Sen. Alex Padilla wrote:
> “Trump’s military action in Venezuela is unlawful without approval from Congress.”
- Sen. Adam Schiff warned that starting a war to remove Maduro erodes America’s standing and risks other adversaries mirroring the escalation.
Trump’s Statement
President Trump announced the raid and extradition of Maduro and his wife, claiming the U.S. will run Venezuela until a “judicious” transfer of power and take over its oil fields.
- President Trump said:
> “The United States will be running Venezuela indefinitely until a judicious transfer of power could take place.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the operation could not be disclosed to Congress because of the risk of leaks.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
The raid sparked concerns over the war powers resolution and the need for congressional approval before using force.
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez highlighted that the War Powers resolution was blocked by House Republicans.
- Rep. George Whitesides warned that bypassing Congress sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden other leaders.
Regional Implications
The U.S. takeover of Venezuelan oil fields and the arrest of Maduro could destabilize the region and alter control of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight raid | Saturday | Maduro and wife captured by U.S. forces |
| Trump’s announcement | Saturday | U.S. will run Venezuela and seize oil fields |
| Prior months | N/A | U.S. conducted strikes, seized tanker, blocked oil tankers |
Key Takeaways
- The raid bypassed congressional authorization, raising constitutional questions.
- Los Angeles County Democrats call for immediate briefing and accountability.
- Trump’s plan to run Venezuela and seize oil fields could destabilize the region.
The U.S. action in Venezuela has sparked a fierce debate over the limits of presidential power and the future of regional stability.
