Democrats Call for Impeachment After Trump’s Military Operation in Venezuela
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro has ignited a fierce backlash from progressive Democrats, who are now calling for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. The operation, which involved strikes in Caracas and the apprehension of Maduro and his wife, has been characterized by critics as a blatant overreach of executive power and a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Several members of the House’s progressive wing have voiced their outrage, accusing Trump of bypassing Congress and launching an unauthorized military action. Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, a member of the so-called “Squad,” condemned the operation on social media, stating that Americans “woke up to a sick sense of déjà vu” as an administration justified what she described as an illegal invasion under the guise of liberty. Ramirez urged the passage of a War Powers Resolution led by Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, which seeks to reassert congressional authority over military engagements. She further insisted that Trump must be impeached for his actions.
The War Powers Resolution, a legislative mechanism designed to limit the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional approval, has been a focal point in the debate. Rep. Omar’s initiative aims to block further military action in Venezuela, emphasizing Congress’s constitutional role in declaring war. The resolution reflects longstanding tensions between the executive and legislative branches over war powers, a conflict that has resurfaced with renewed urgency in the wake of the Venezuela operation.
Rep. Dan Goldman of New York, facing pressure from the left in his upcoming primary, labeled the military action as a “war” launched without adequate explanation or congressional consent. He called the bypassing of Congress a “violation of the United States Constitution” and declared it an impeachable offense. Goldman urged Republican lawmakers to join Democrats in holding Trump accountable, highlighting the bipartisan nature of concerns over executive overreach.
Other Democrats echoed these sentiments. Representative April McClain Delaney of Maryland emphasized that invading and running another country without a congressional declaration of war constitutes grounds for impeachment, though she acknowledged that the caucus must deliberate strategically on pursuing such a course. California Representative Eric Swalwell, a gubernatorial hopeful, did not dismiss the possibility of supporting impeachment proceedings as the party weighs its options.
The operation itself has drawn praise from some quarters, including GOP lawmakers who describe it as a “flawless removal” of a leader they accuse of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have characterized Maduro as “the world’s largest drug dealer,” underscoring the administration’s rationale for the mission. Supporters argue that the capture of Maduro represents a significant victory for U.S. foreign policy and a step toward stabilizing Venezuela, which has long been plagued by political turmoil and economic crisis.
However, the lack of prior notification to Congress has fueled the constitutional debate. The U.S. Congress holds the exclusive power to declare war under Article I of the Constitution, and critics contend that Trump’s unilateral action undermines this foundational principle. The controversy revives discussions about the limits of presidential authority in military matters, a subject that has been contentious since the Vietnam War and the passage of the original War Powers Act in 1973.
Legal scholars and political analysts note that the impeachment calls reflect broader concerns about executive accountability. The Department of Justice has historically maintained that unauthorized military actions can constitute grounds for impeachment if they violate constitutional mandates or statutory requirements. Whether the current situation meets that threshold remains a matter of political and legal debate.
As the House of Representatives prepares to reconvene, the Democratic caucus faces pressure to respond decisively. Some members argue that pursuing impeachment could serve as a critical check on presidential power, while others caution that it may further polarize an already divided Congress. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has yet to outline its stance on the operation or its implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.
The unfolding situation underscores the enduring tension between national security imperatives and constitutional governance. As the nation grapples with the consequences of the Venezuela operation, lawmakers and citizens alike are confronted with fundamental questions about the balance of power and the rule of law in American democracy.
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