U. S. Officials Split on Venezuela Invasion: A Closer Look

Republican Lawmakers' Responses

Opposition and Concerns

Rep. Thomas Massie (Kentucky)

• Argues for congressional approval before military action
• Questions the likelihood of a positive outcome
• Cites past U.S. interventions in Cuba, Libya, Iraq, and Syria

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia)

• Expresses concerns on social media
• Suggests motives beyond stopping drug trafficking
• Criticizes both parties for supporting military aggression

Rep. Don Bacon (Nebraska)

• Generally supports the operation
• Warns of encouraging aggressive actions from China and Russia

Senators' Perspectives

Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky)

• Emphasizes the importance of congressional authorization
• Cites the intentions of the U.S. founders

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (Alaska)

• Acknowledge the removal of Maduro
• Express concerns about potential quagmire for U.S. troops
• Highlight lessons learned from past interventions

Democratic Lawmakers' Condemnation

Opposition and Criticism

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani

• Calls President Trump to express opposition
• Argues the action violates federal and international law
• Describes it as an attempt at regime change

Sen. Chuck Schumer (New York)

• Accuses the Trump administration of acting in bad faith
• Claims violation of the U.S. Constitution
• States administration assured him no regime change or military action without congressional authorization

Sen. Adam Schiff (California)

• Describes military action and proposed occupation as potentially disastrous
• Argues Trump's actions risk plunging a hemisphere into chaos
• Claims Trump is breaking his promise to end wars

Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont)

• Criticizes the invasion as imperialism
• Compares it to Putin's attack on Ukraine

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York)

• Suggests the military strike is an effort to distract from domestic issues