A US lawmaker has condemned President Donald Trump’s recent military operation in Venezuela, calling it illegal and criticizing the lack of Congressional approval. Representative Melanie Stansbury, who represents New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, said the White House overstepped its authority by carrying out the strike.
The controversy follows President Trump’s claim that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were “captured on Saturday morning and flown out of the country.” The president also confirmed that US forces had executed a “large-scale strike,” amid reports of explosions in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela.
Rep. Stansbury took to X to voice her concerns, emphasizing that the president does not have unilateral authority to conduct such military actions. She wrote: “The White House is confirming U.S. military operations in Venezuela tonight. Let us be clear: these strikes are illegal.”
She further stressed that the Constitution requires Congressional approval for war or large-scale military operations, urging lawmakers to intervene immediately. “The President does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress. Congress must act to rein him in. Immediately,” Stansbury wrote.
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The lawmaker’s statement reflects broader concerns about the limits of presidential power in authorizing military action without oversight. Analysts say the incident could spark debates in Washington over the separation of powers and the proper role of Congress in foreign interventions.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, questions remain about the legality and implications of the US strike. Both domestic and international observers are closely watching for responses from Congress and the Venezuelan government, with potential ramifications for US foreign policy in the region.
