US Senate Votes to Limit Trump’s Military Actions in Venezuela
The resolution, passed with bipartisan support, marks a rare congressional effort to curb presidential military force in foreign policy.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a measure aimed at limiting the Trump administration’s military operations in Venezuela, following a surprise raid targeting President Nicolás Maduro.
The resolution passed with a 52-47 vote, seeing five Republicans join Democrats in support. According to The Washington Post, this largely symbolic move represents the first time during Trump’s second term that Congress has sought to restrict the president’s use of military force in foreign policy.
Concerns Emerge
While Republicans generally backed efforts to remove Maduro, some voiced apprehension that a prolonged military presence in Venezuela would necessitate congressional approval. Republican Senator Todd Young, who supported the resolution, stated that an extended military campaign in Venezuela, even if unintentional, would contradict President Trump’s stated goal of ending foreign entanglements.
President Donald Trump has indicated no further attacks against Venezuela are imminent, but suggested they might become necessary if the country’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, does not agree to U.S. demands for access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Trump also declined to rule out sending American troops into the country “regarding oil.”
Trump Reacts Angrily
Donald Trump reacted strongly on Truth Social, condemning the Republican senators who voted with Democrats. He characterized the move as a blow to U.S. national security and defense. “Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators who just voted with the Democrats in their effort to strip us of our powers to fight and defend the USA,” Trump posted.
He further stated that Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should “never be re-elected,” asserting that this vote “greatly impedes America’s self-defense.” He concluded, “In any event, and despite their ‘stupidity,’ the War Powers Act is unconstitutional, a complete violation of Article II of the Constitution, as decided by all Presidents and their Justice Departments before me. However, a more important vote on this matter will take place in the Senate next week.”
