U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong criticism of Republican senators who supported an initiative to limit the president’s powers in using American troops in Venezuela without official Congressional approval. On January 8, he posted on his social media platform Truth Social, emphasizing that members of the Republican Party “should be ashamed” for voting alongside Democrats.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Trump Named Senators Individually and Accused Them of Undermining His Authority
The White House chief personally mentioned Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, John Hoeven, and Todd Young, who supported the legislative initiative. According to Trump, these politicians should not be re-elected to the Senate, as their position “hinders his role as Commander-in-Chief.” The American president also called the War Powers Act “unconstitutional” and an attempt to deprive the country of the ability to “fight and defend the United States of America.”
“I have long advocated for Congress to play its constitutional role in the use of military force, and Venezuela is no exception. Any future use of force or significant change in policy in Venezuela must include reliable oversight and approval from Congress, in accordance with our constitutional duties, the rule of law, and a clear assessment of benefits for the American people,” she added.
The Senate Blocked Further Military Actions in Venezuela Without Congressional Consent
Earlier that day, the U.S. Senate passed a procedural resolution that blocks any future military operations by the American administration in Venezuela without Congressional approval. The document was supported by 52 senators, while 47 voted against it. The resolution was backed not only by Democrats but also by several Republicans, including Trump allies.
Senator Lisa Murkowski explained that the law requires Congressional approval for military operations in Venezuela. She emphasized that she supports the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power but expressed concerns about Trump’s statements regarding a potential prolonged presence of American troops in the country.
The situation in Venezuela escalated after nighttime strikes on January 3, when American forces targeted sites in Caracas and detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate head of state and accuses the couple of conspiracy for “narcoterrorism.”
On January 5, Maduro and Flores appeared in court in New York. They are charged with conspiracy for narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and explosives, as well as conspiracy to acquire them. The couple has pleaded not guilty. Maduro insists that he remains the president of Venezuela.