Republicans Deny Venezuela 'Endless War' as Congress Debates Military Powers
Following Maduro's capture, Republican leaders reject claims of Venezuelan occupation after classified briefings, emphasizing brief law enforcement action. Democratic opposition grows as Senate prepares to vote on blocking further military action without congressional approval, while Trump's administration continues targeting drug trafficking networks and preparing for potential embassy reopening.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Republican lawmakers are pushing back against concerns about prolonged American involvement in the South American nation. After a classified briefing with top Trump administration officials, GOP leaders emphasized that the operation does not constitute occupation or nation-building.
Republican Leaders Reject Occupation Claims
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana directly addressed concerns about American military presence following a classified session with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other senior officials.
| Congressional Response: | Details |
|---|---|
| Briefing Duration: | Over 2.5 hours |
| US Forces Status: | No armed forces occupying Venezuela |
| Administration Type: | "Not the protracted war administration" |
| Operation Classification: | Law enforcement action |
"We do not have US armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country," Johnson told reporters after the briefing. Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reinforced this message, stating: "If anybody wants to use the term nation-building, or anything like that, it doesn't look like anything anybody has seen under President Trump."
Democratic Opposition and War Powers Debate
Democratic leaders expressed skepticism about the administration's Venezuela strategy following the same briefing. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Senate's Democratic leader, criticized the lack of clarity in Trump's plans for the oil-rich nation.
"Their plan for the US running Venezuela is vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying," Schumer stated. He noted that the briefing "posed more questions than it answered" and said he had not received assurances that Trump would not take similar action in other countries.
The Senate is scheduled to vote this week on a resolution to block further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, co-sponsored by Schumer. Republicans maintain the weekend operation did not require congressional approval because it involved brief "law enforcement" action to bring Maduro to court in New York.
Broader Military Strategy and Economic Implications
Trump sent US troops into Caracas to seize Maduro, who pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges. The administration accuses Maduro of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups, including Mexico's Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia's FARC rebels and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang.
| Military Operations: | Scope |
|---|---|
| Caribbean Presence: | US forces deployed for four months |
| Target Operations: | Missile strikes on drug-carrying vessels |
| Legal Basis: | Cocaine trafficking network disruption |
| Oil Sector Impact: | US companies' shares jumped on access prospects |
Republicans have defeated previous attempts to pass war powers resolutions since Trump deployed US forces to the Caribbean four months ago, where they have been targeting vessels Washington says are carrying drugs. Representative Mast left open the possibility of future military action, stating: "There's absolutely a continual plan to use the United States military to protect the homeland of the United States of America."
Embassy Reopening and Long-term Engagement
Despite denying occupation plans, the State Department continues preparations for potential embassy reopening in Caracas. A senior State Department official previously confirmed that preparations are underway should Trump decide to reopen diplomatic operations, which were suspended in 2019.
Trump has made clear his interest in Venezuela's oil reserves, with US oil companies' shares rising on prospects of accessing the nation's vast petroleum resources. The administration's approach appears focused on exerting influence without deploying ground forces, which would face limited domestic support.
Maduro's capture has rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to regroup, while some Democrats accused Trump administration officials of misleading them about regime change plans in Venezuela.
19
