BALTIMORE — Early Saturday morning, the United States executed a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela and took President Nicolás Maduro into custody, transporting him and his wife out of the nation, as stated by President Donald Trump.
Here’s how political leaders from Maryland responded to the strike.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume
“President Trump’s unlawful invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign nation, in the absence of military provocation should be a cause for concern for every American and member of Congress. He was elected to lead the United States, not to meddle in the affairs of Venezuela. With many Americans grappling with soaring healthcare costs, rising grocery prices, and increased heating expenses, we cannot afford a President who prioritizes foreign invasions over urgent domestic issues.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen
“The American populace did not request this act of war aimed at instigating regime change in Venezuela, nor has Congress given its consent. President Trump has endangered our troops without presenting a factual and well-reasoned justification for these actions or outlining a long-term plan following the strikes. The current Administration owes Congress and the American citizens prompt accountability. This act of aggression represents a significant overreach of presidential authority. It’s disheartening to witness the Trump Administration repeat the blunders of the past while jeopardizing American lives, driven by motives that are questionable at best. Trump’s actions in apprehending Maduro, shortly after granting a pardon to former Honduran President – who also happens to be a notorious drug kingpin – highlight a troubling pattern. While we recognize Maduro as a dictator, the immediate threat he poses does not justify military intervention without Congressional endorsement. This is less about eliminating dictatorship and more about seizing Venezuela’s oil for Trump’s wealthy allies. Congress must retain its constitutional duties and prevent power over the world’s most formidable military from resting solely in the hands of one individual.”
U.S. Representative Andy Harris
“It’s time someone took a stand against the narcoterrorists who have been corrupting our youth for years while our government has remained idle — President Trump’s decision to apprehend Maduro will save thousands of innocent American lives.”
U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski
“One can oppress Nicolás Maduro’s corrupt regime while also condemning the legality of an unauthorized, violent, and reckless assault on a foreign nation. It’s clear that Maduro was a grave threat, but President Trump is once again acting beyond his legal authority by bypassing Congress — and, by extension, the American people — in regards to military action. This hypocrisy, wherein Trump apparently targets dictators yet flouts the laws of his own country, undermines our nation’s standing internationally and risks entangling us in conflicts that are detrimental. The warmongering by Trump provides justifications for despots in China, Russia, and beyond for their own aggressive actions against neighboring countries.
Moreover, the absence of a transparent or credible long-term strategy for Venezuela raises alarming concerns about the President’s declaration that the U.S. “will run the country.” History has shown that capturing a leader does not necessarily conclude a conflict or guarantee lasting peace. Without a robust stabilization plan, it can frequently intensify the conflict and inflict additional human suffering.
Congress must engage in thorough oversight and insist on a lawful and clear strategy for the future — one that promotes democracy and stability for the Venezuelan people while also safeguarding American interests.”
Congressman Glenn Ivey
“I am against the United States attempting to control another sovereign nation, and I strongly oppose the idea of deploying American troops in Venezuela for oil interests. The Trump administration lacks a coherent strategy for Venezuela and has no legitimate basis for taking over a foreign country.
At home, families are already experiencing hardships due to rising healthcare costs and increasing food prices — clear indications of the Trump administration’s failure to effectively govern. Attempting to manage Venezuela simultaneously could lead to disastrous outcomes and risks embroiling our country in another protracted conflict. We should prioritize reducing costs for American families and pursue diplomatic avenues instead of repeating past mistakes.”
