U.S. lawmakers react after Trump announces Venezuela operation, Maduro arrest

January 3, 2026

TL;DR

President Trump announced U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco-terrorism charges, stemming from alleged collaboration with FARC and leading the criminal organization Cártel de Los Soles.
Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Lee, praised the operation, citing Maduro's alleged drug trafficking and criminal activities.
Democrats, including Representatives Jim Himes and Jim McGovern, and Senators Tim Kaine and Andy Kim, criticized the administration for acting unilaterally without Congressional authorization.
Senator Tim Kaine announced a bipartisan resolution for a vote next week on stipulating that the U.S. not enter war with Venezuela without clear Congressional authorization.
Celebrations occurred in South Florida, home to a large Venezuelan population, with exiles expressing hope and praising President Trump's actions.
A November CBS News poll indicated that 70% of Americans would oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela without Congressional approval.

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