Senior Democratic figures in the United States have reacted with outrage to a military intervention ordered by President Donald Trump in Venezuela, branding the operation "wildly illegal" and a dangerous breach of constitutional protocol.
Operation Launched Without Congressional Consent
The audacious dawn raid, which involved a bombardment and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was executed on Saturday without the legally required approval from the US Congress. Under the US constitution, only Congress holds the power to declare war, and the 1973 War Powers Resolution mandates presidential consultation for military engagements.
Remarkably, the administration failed to notify even the "gang of eight" – the bipartisan group of top congressional leaders traditionally briefed on sensitive national security matters. Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House intelligence committee, confirmed he had received no communication. "I'm a member of the gang of eight, and I have yet to get a phone call from anyone from the administration," he stated.
Democrats Accuse Administration of Deception and Lawlessness
Democrats have fiercely rejected the White House's justification of the mission as a counter-narcotics law enforcement action. Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, accused officials of outright deception. "They literally lied to our face," he said, referencing a briefing last month by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that suggested the focus was solely on drugs, not regime change.
Murphy labelled the intervention as having "no way to trust this administration." Meanwhile, Himes lambasted the move as an "imperial adventure" and a clear example of the administration's "absolute lawlessness," arguing Trump was "paving the way for disaster" without caring about congressional authority.
Political Fallout and Impending War Powers Vote
The unilateral action has dramatically escalated tensions between the executive and legislative branches, setting the stage for a crucial vote in the US Senate. A bipartisan War Powers Resolution seeks to block any further military action against Venezuela without express congressional approval.
The resolution, which is privileged and cannot be filibustered, requires only a simple majority to pass. It has garnered support from key figures, including Rand Paul, the Republican senator from Kentucky, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader.
Schumer framed the intervention in stark terms, warning of the perils of "endless wars" and nation-building. He emphasised that if the resolution passes both chambers, "the president can't do another thing in Venezuela without the okay of Congress." Senator Murphy further suggested the real motive was economic gain for Trump's allies, pointing to the President's remarks about seizing Venezuelan oil. "Venezuela is all about making money for his friends," Murphy claimed.
The episode represents a profound test of executive power and sets a contentious precedent for US foreign policy, with Democrats united in their condemnation of what they see as a flagrant violation of the constitutional order.
