The announcement of U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has drawn strong reactions from political leaders in Northern California and the Bay Area. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, which targeted military facilities in Venezuela, and stated that the U.S. would “run the country” until a stable transition can occur. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to the Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York on the evening of March 16, 2024, to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons.
This military operation follows previous U.S. actions in the Caribbean, where two oil tankers were seized off the Venezuelan coast. The situation has escalated concerns among lawmakers regarding the legality and implications of the U.S. involvement in Venezuela.
California Leaders Express Concerns
Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui criticized the military action as “illegal” and “reckless.” In a statement, she emphasized that military conflict should be a last resort and called for accountability, asserting that President Trump acted without congressional authorization, constituting an unauthorized act of war.
Matsui stated, “Sending U.S. forces into another country without congressional authorization or notification to remove its government constitutes an unauthorized act of war by the President.”
Similarly, Congressman John Garamendi expressed concerns about the implications of Trump’s actions. He remarked, “The removal of Maduro through an unconstitutional military action raises two serious concerns,” highlighting Trump’s disregard for constitutional processes and questioning the plan for establishing a democratic government in Venezuela.
Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley took a contrasting view, praising the military operation. He stated, “The United States, Venezuela, and the entire Western Hemisphere are immeasurably better off with Nicolás Maduro removed from power.” Kiley framed the operation as a necessary step towards justice and a new beginning for the Venezuelan people.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa also lauded the military’s precision, asserting that the actions send a strong message to adversaries of the United States. He expressed anticipation for further briefings on the operation and future plans for securing the Western Hemisphere.
Bay Area Leaders Condemn Actions
In the Bay Area, leaders voiced strong opposition to the U.S. strikes. Democratic Congresswoman Lateefah Simon called the military action unconstitutional, questioning the motives behind the intervention. She stated, “This is a war being sold to the American people under false pretenses,” citing Trump’s previous comments about wanting to reclaim Venezuela’s oil.
Senator Scott Wiener echoed Simon’s sentiments, asserting that Trump’s actions amounted to an impeachable offense due to the lack of congressional authorization. He criticized the President for disregarding legal norms in favor of personal interests, claiming, “There are no rules, there are no laws, there are no norms—there is only whatever Trump thinks is best for himself.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized the Trump administration, stating that while Venezuela is governed by an illegitimate regime, no urgent national security threat justified military force. She accused Trump of attempting to bypass constitutional checks and balances.
Congressman Mike Thompson labeled the operation as “illegal military actions” and emphasized the need for congressional involvement in decisions regarding military force when there is no immediate danger to the United States. He called for Congress to convene to review the legal justification for the attack and to discuss its objectives and potential costs to taxpayers.
The responses from California leaders highlight the deep divisions in opinion regarding U.S. foreign policy and military intervention, raising significant questions about the balance of power and accountability in the decision-making process. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the implications of these military actions and the responses from lawmakers will be closely monitored.
