Kamala Harris Condemns Trump Administration’s Capture of Nicolás Maduro as ‘Unlawful and Unwise’
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Vice President Kamala Harris sharply criticized the Trump administration’s recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, describing the operation as both “unlawful” and “unwise.” The remarks came hours after the administration confirmed Maduro and his wife were seized and transported out of Venezuela in a covert mission dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
In a detailed post on X, Harris acknowledged Maduro’s brutal and illegitimate rule but argued that President Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not enhance American security or prosperity. “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable,” Harris wrote. “That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price.”
Harris’s condemnation came amid a flurry of political debate over the legality and strategic wisdom of the operation. While some Republicans, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, defended the mission as a necessary strike against a drug-trafficking regime, Harris suggested the administration’s motives were less about combating narcotics or promoting democracy and more about securing oil interests. “The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to. This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman,” she said.
She further criticized the administration for pardoning a convicted drug trafficker and sidelining Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while allegedly negotiating with Maduro’s inner circle. The former vice president also raised concerns about the risks posed to U.S. troops and regional stability. “The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home,” Harris wrote.
The operation, which reportedly involved intelligence from the Central Intelligence Agency, was confirmed by the Trump administration late Friday, with President Trump sharing a photo of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The administration has maintained that the mission was lawful and necessary to bring Maduro to justice on drug and weapons charges filed in U.S. courts.
The capture has sparked international reactions and raised questions about the future of U.S. policy in Latin America. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized its commitment to supporting democracy and human rights in Venezuela but has yet to provide detailed guidance on next steps following the operation.
Critics like Harris have called for a more measured approach that prioritizes lowering costs for American families, enforcing the rule of law, and strengthening alliances. “America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first,” she said.
The operation has also drawn scrutiny from legal experts and lawmakers over the absence of explicit congressional authorization. According to Congressional records, there has been no formal declaration of war or specific approval for military action in Venezuela, raising constitutional questions about executive power.
As Maduro faces arraignment in New York on criminal charges, the geopolitical landscape in Latin America remains uncertain. Observers warn that the capture could destabilize the region further, potentially igniting unrest among Maduro’s supporters and complicating U.S. relations with neighboring countries.
The unfolding situation continues to dominate headlines and political discourse, highlighting the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy, domestic politics, and the enduring crisis in Venezuela.
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