Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s recent military operation in Venezuela, describing the capture of President Nicolás Maduro as unlawful, reports Baltimore Chronicle. Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week” with anchor George Stephanopoulos, Schumer emphasized that although Maduro is widely considered a problematic leader, responding to lawlessness with further illegal actions is not justified. “There is no authority … they did not just target ships offshore. U.S. forces entered Venezuela, striking both civilian and military locations, and this constitutes a violation of law since Congress did not authorize these actions,” Schumer stated.
The senator expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s current leadership following Trump’s Saturday remarks asserting that the U.S. would “run” the country “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Schumer said, “The American people are waking up in confusion and fear over what the president has proposed. History shows that attempts at regime change and nation-building in this manner often cost the United States dearly, both in human lives and financial resources.”
Schumer questioned the feasibility of Trump’s claim that U.S. oil companies could repair Venezuela’s deteriorating oil infrastructure. “Based on what has been communicated publicly, it appears to be a rough, preliminary plan. These oil fields have been neglected for years. We have no clear timeline, cost estimates, or clarity on whether military personnel would need to guard them during the process,” he noted.
Highlighting the contradiction with Trump’s campaign rhetoric against foreign entanglements, Schumer warned that the strike could lead to an open-ended conflict. “The American public is concerned that this could develop into an endless war, exactly what Donald Trump repeatedly promised to avoid. Yet we are heading in that direction without safeguards or proper discussion,” Schumer added.
The U.S. operation involved a military extraction team supported by over 150 aircraft, which entered Caracas, reached the residence of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and transported them to the USS Iwo Jima. Maduro was subsequently brought to New York City, where he faces charges related to narcoterrorism and drug trafficking.
During the interview, Schumer also addressed unrelated domestic issues, including the renewal of Obamacare insurance premiums. He explained that while legislation had been passed to extend them for three years, Republican opposition has blocked the measure. Regarding the possibility of another government shutdown, Schumer stated that Democrats aim to fund appropriations through 2026 and are collaborating with Republicans to advance bipartisan spending bills.
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