A United States lawmaker has criticised the reported military operation carried out by American forces in Venezuela, describing it as unconstitutional and illegal.
The criticism follows an earlier announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured during a large-scale U.S. military operation and subsequently flown out of the country.
Trump also confirmed that American forces executed what he described as a “large-scale strike,” with reports of explosions emerging from Caracas and other parts of Venezuela.
Congressional Objection
Reacting to the development, Representative Melanie Stansbury, who represents New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, rejected the legality of the operation.
In a statement shared on social media, Stansbury argued that the President lacks the constitutional authority to authorise such military action without the consent of the United States Congress.
“The White House is confirming U.S. military operations in Venezuela. These actions are illegal.
The President does not have the power to declare war or carry out large-scale military operations
without congressional approval,” she said.
She further called on Congress to take immediate steps to assert its constitutional role and prevent what she described as executive overreach.
The situation has continued to draw international attention as questions mount over the legality, scope, and implications of the reported U.S. military action.
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