The President of the United States, Donald Trump reiterated this Thursday that he does not need congressional authorization to order attacks against drug trafficking targets Venezuelan territoryalthough he acknowledged he would have no problem sharing prior information with lawmakers. The statements come amid growing tensions with Caracas and an internal debate in Washington over the constitutional limits on presidential power.
“I wouldn’t mind telling you. It’s not that big of a deal. I don’t have to tell him“Trump told the press at the White House when asked about the need to inform Congress before a possible military operation. The president added that he only hopes the information does not leak, which is a direct criticism of lawmakers.
The president’s words came after he publicly warned about this The United States could begin attacking “ground targets” in Venezuelaas part of his offensive against the drug trade, which he blames Nicolas Maduro regime. With this stated goal, Trump has ordered increased military operations in the Caribbean.
According to official information, from September US forces have bombed more than two dozen drug boats in the regionOperations that would have claimed around a hundred lives. The White House maintains that these are necessary measures to stop drug trafficking, although it has not yet fully released the audiovisual footage of these operations.
At the same time, Trump announced this on social networks on Tuesday Washington would block all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela carrying crude oil. In this message, he accused the Venezuelan regime of stealing American oil fields and assets, apparently in reference to the expropriations during the government of Hugo Chávez.
The rhetorical and operational escalation has revived the debate about it Legality of a possible military intervention on Venezuelan soil. Two days before Trump’s remarks, an interview was released with the president’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, who admitted that military action on Venezuelan territory would amount to a “war” and that the president would need congressional approval in that scenario.
The institutional tensions were also reflected in the Capitol. House Democrats are introducing two war powers resolutionsciting the 1973 law requiring the president to consult Congress “in all possible cases” before engaging the armed forces in hostilities unless there is a formal declaration of war or specific authorization.
Congress also gave in This week there is a green light for the annual defense budgetwhich contains provisions aimed at strengthening legislative control over military operations in the Caribbean. Among them is a clause that requires the Pentagon to share unedited images of attacks on alleged drug boats with members of Congress.
The same legislative package restricts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget. until the House and Senate Armed Services Committees receive the requested materials on operations in the region.
The dispute between the White House and Congress reflects a broader dispute over the extent of the president’s power over the use of force, reignited by a maximum pressure strategy on Venezuela that combines economic sanctions, an energy blockade and military actions of still uncertain scope.
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