Top congressional leaders, known as the Gang of 8, did not receive any briefing from the administration prior to the commencement of the U.S. military strike in Venezuela, according to multiple sources reported by ABC News. This military action initiated without prior notification raised significant concerns among lawmakers, particularly regarding adherence to constitutional protocols.
Sources indicate that the Department of Defense only informed congressional staff after the operation had already begun. This lack of advance notice aligns with President Donald Trump's earlier statements expressing his reluctance to brief lawmakers ahead of land operations in Venezuela due to fears of potential leaks. The immediate congressional reaction was predictably divided along party lines.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio actively sought support among Republicans on Capitol Hill following the military action. Notably, Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee initially expressed skepticism regarding the legality of the operation, questioning its justification without a formal declaration of war or authorization for military force. Lee took to X to articulate his concerns, only to later revise his stance after discussing the situation with Rubio. He stated, “Just got off the phone with @SecRubio. He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States.”
Lee further clarified that the military action was necessary to protect U.S. personnel executing the arrest warrant, suggesting that this action fell within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution.
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Rubio explained that this mission could not afford congressional notification due to its trigger-based nature. He emphasized that the operation was fundamentally an arrest of two fugitives wanted for serious crimes in the U.S. and that the Department of War collaborated with the Department of Justice to execute it. “This is not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on,” Rubio stressed, underscoring the operational sensitivity involved.
Other Republican leaders echoed Lee's support for the administration's actions. Senator Tom Cotton expressed that Maduro not only represented an illegitimate dictatorship but also operated a substantial drug-trafficking enterprise. Cotton praised the operation, stating, “I commend President Trump and our brave troops and law-enforcement officers for this incredible operation.” He further stated that there is no need for Congress to be notified for every arrest made by the executive branch.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also commended the military action, calling it a decisive operation that would protect American lives. He confirmed that the Trump administration is arranging briefings for Congress when they reconvene after the holiday break.
In stark contrast, Democratic leaders expressed significant concern about the lack of congressional authorization for the military intervention. Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, argued that while Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, there has been no evidence presented that justifies military action without congressional approval. He called for an immediate briefing from the administration to clarify its strategy and legal rationale.
Similarly, Senator Tim Kaine criticized Trump's unilateral actions, asserting that Congress must take up a resolution to prevent military hostilities in Venezuela without legislative authorization. Kaine's statement raised alarm over the potential escalation of U.S. military actions globally, questioning the president's motives and the absence of legal checks.
Last month, Democrats introduced war powers resolutions aimed at curbing the president's authority to engage militarily in Venezuela. These measures failed to pass, with Republicans largely opposing them. The first resolution sought to direct the president to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities unless authorized by Congress. Following the recent military action, Rep. Gregory Meeks condemned it as a violation of international law that jeopardizes America’s standing on the global stage.
While many Republican lawmakers supported the operation, a few expressed reservations. Rep. Thomas Massie questioned the constitutionality of the action, suggesting that if it were legitimate, there would be no need for the Attorney General to communicate the arrest via social media. Rep. Don Bacon raised concerns about potential repercussions for U.S. foreign relations, warning that Russia and China might leverage the situation for their own interests.
Moreover, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned the motivations behind the military action, suggesting that if the fight against drug trafficking was a priority, the administration should also focus on Mexican cartels. Greene criticized the ongoing military aggression and called for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy.
The military action in Venezuela has sparked intense debate within Congress, revealing deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans. As lawmakers prepare to reconvene, the implications of this operation and the legal justifications for it are likely to dominate discussions in the coming weeks. The future of U.S. military engagement in Venezuela remains uncertain, with calls for greater congressional oversight growing louder.