Summary
Some Democrats are raising alarms after President Donald Trump’s weekend operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Meanwhile, progressive lawmakers argue the operation bypassed Congress and violated U.S. law, prompting calls for possible impeachment.
Progressives Push for Action
For instance, Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., criticized the operation on social media, saying the administration “used war as a guise to extract resources and enrich itself.” She pointed to Rep. Ilhan Omar’s War Powers Resolution, which seeks to prevent Trump from taking military action in Venezuela without Congress’s approval. In addition, Ramirez and other progressives say this could justify impeachment.
Constitutional Concerns
Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., also criticized Trump for bypassing Congress, calling it a clear violation of the Constitution. As a result, he urged Republican lawmakers to join Democrats in holding the president accountable. “This violation of the United States Constitution is an impeachable offense,” Goldman said.
Similarly, Rep. April McClain Delaney, D-Md., noted that taking military action without a formal declaration of war qualifies as impeachable. However, she added that Congress should carefully consider whether pursuing impeachment is the best strategy.
Support from Progressive Candidates
Additionally, other Democratic figures, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Illinois House candidate Kat Abughazaleh, voiced support for impeachment. Abughazaleh posted, “I demand that Congress exercise its power, halt this conflict, and impeach this war criminal president.”
Republican Response
On the other hand, many Republicans defended Trump’s operation, calling it a successful move against a long-time hostile actor in Venezuela. Furthermore, some GOP leaders argued that notifying Congress wasn’t necessary since they viewed the operation as law enforcement rather than a traditional military strike.
Divided Reactions Highlight Tensions
Overall, reactions remain sharply divided. Democrats see the operation as an illegal overreach, while Republicans praise it as a decisive step to remove a dictator. This split highlights ongoing tensions over presidential authority and U.S. foreign policy.
