Among the lawmakers who criticized the aggression were Ruben Gallego (Senator from Arizona), Bernie Sanders (Senator from Vermont), Elizabeth Warren (Senator from Massachusetts), and Tim Kaine (Senator from Virginia). They all labeled the action illegal and a violation of the Constitution, as it lacked legislative permission.
Speaking on this platform, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz emphasized: “We have no vital national interests in Venezuela that justify a war. We should have learned by now not to get involved in another stupid adventure. And he doesn’t even bother to tell the American public what the hell is going on.”
Representative Jim McGovern criticized Trump, saying, “Without congressional authorization and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump has just launched an illegal and unjustified attack against Venezuela.”
“He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans, but somehow we have unlimited funds for war,” McGovern added.
His colleague in the House of Representatives, Melanie Stansbury, was unequivocal in X: “Let’s be clear: these attacks are illegal. The president has no authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress.”
The New Mexico congresswoman urged that “Congress must act to stop him. Immediately.”
California Congressman Raul Ruiz agreed, stating that “Trump’s war against Venezuela is illegal and endangers American military personnel.” Ruiz, a physician, emphasized in X that “the Constitution requires congressional approval for any military action, and Trump neither sought nor has it.”
jdt/mem/mh
