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Congress Is Split Over Trump’s Expanding Venezuela Operations

Photo by Diego González / Unsplash

President Donald Trump’s expanded military operations near Venezuela — including nine strikes on boats allegedly smuggling drugs — have sparked both support and dissent in Congress.

Most Republicans back the move, framing it as part of Trump’s broader effort to “liberate Venezuela” from President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which Washington considers illegitimate. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and others argue the strikes target narcoterrorists, not sovereign forces.

Critics, including Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), question the legality of such actions without congressional authorization.

Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warn the offensive could escalate into a wider conflict. Trump has not ruled out CIA activity or even ground troops but insists the goal is to cripple drug smuggling networks.

With GOP backing and a divided Congress, Trump’s Venezuela policy underscores his aggressive approach to Latin America — and his readiness to act unilaterally.

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