WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wyoming state and federal officials praised the Trump administration for capturing Venezuelan dictator and alleged drug trafficker Nicolas Maduro, while Democrats complained the Friday night raid was not authorized by Congress and could drag the United States armed forces into a quagmire.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will “run” the Latin American country for the time being and suggested U.S. companies would gain access to the nation’s vast oil reserves by investing billions in infrastructure. Some Democrats, while not defending Maduro, are questioning what they see as infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
The Army’s elite Delta Force, aided by civilian law enforcement and intelligence units, broke into Maduro’s home in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, apprehending the strongman and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple and other family members face charges in New York federal court in connection with a massive cocaine smuggling operation.
The Friday night military operation included bombings as well as the capture of Maduro and his wife.
Gordon, Lummis, Barrasso
“Maduro was a corrupt and undemocratic leader and his regime was not a product of free and fair elections recognized by democratic standards,” Wyoming Republican Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement. “The Venezuelan people have suffered under his repression and corruption for years. They now have a chance to be free.”
"We are all praying for our troops, for their protection and safe return. And for all Americans still in Venezuela right now including diplomatic staff and those working for private industry. I pray they remain safe and can return home soon," he added.
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, called Maduro a narco-terrorist.
“Incredible news today as Nicolas Maduro is now in U.S. custody to face justice,” Lummis said on social media. “This corrupt dictator ran a narco-terrorist operation that poisoned American communities for years while oppressing the Venezuelan people.
“I’m grateful to President Trump for his decisive leadership and to our military and law enforcement personnel who executed this operation with extraordinary courage and skill. Peace through strength works. Maduro will finally answer for his crimes in American courts.”
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, called Maduro a "dictator, a narco-terrorist, and an indicted criminal in the United States. Venezuela, America, and the world are safer with this dangerous dictator removed from power.”
"Nicolas Maduro led a terrorist organization that poisoned and killed thousands of innocent Americans. Maduro will now be brought to justice," he said. We are grateful for the brave American soldiers who carried out this successful mission.
The office of U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, did not reply to a request for comment Saturday. It appears she has not released any statements on social media or through her official website related to the raid.
Trump Social Media
In the administration's typical colorful presentation on social media, they posted video of the military strike accompanied by the song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival early Saturday.
They also featured a clip of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's bravado from a late morning press conference.
"Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance — until they didn't and until he didn't. He F'd around and he found out."
Some Democrat Support
Reaction to the attack ran largely along party lines, but not completely.
Three House Democrats expressed support for the outcome of capturing Nicolás Maduro.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, said Maduro's capture was "welcome news" for Venezuelans who fled his "violent, lawless, and disastrous rule," stating it offers a chance to seat the "true, democratically elected president, Edmundo González."
Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, said he supported the action, calling it "an important moment for democracy, peace, and the future of children across Latin America and the United States."
Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, praised the operation as a "major step towards a #VenezuelaLibre" (Free Venezuela) in a post on X.
Both Wasserman Schultz and Soto questioned Trump's failure to involve Congress in the decision.
On the senate side, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, who came out in support of Trump’s blockade of Venezuelan oil shipments two weeks ago, praised the military.
“Grateful for our U.S. military personnel that handled these orders in Venezuela with precision,” he said on social media. “I maintain that we have the STRONGEST and MOST LETHAL military in the world — today proves that even more.”
Critics
Among the loudest critics were the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and fellow committee Democrat U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
Among other complaints, they noted Congress did not authorize the attack.
“President Trump’s unauthorized military attack on Venezuela to arrest Maduro — however terrible he is — is a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere,” Kaine said in a statement. “That history is replete with failures, and doubling down on it makes it difficult to make the claim with a straight face that other countries should respect the United States’ sovereignty when we do not do the same.”
Reed said the Trump administration’s justification for the strike has shifted.
“Initially, the White House claimed the purpose of the raid was to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Now, the President has claimed the United States will ‘run’ Venezuela, and that the objective of this operation is to seize control of Venezuela's oil reserves,” Reed said in a statement.
“This is ludicrous. No serious plan has been presented for how such an extraordinary undertaking would work or what it will cost the American people.
“History offers no shortage of warnings about the costs – human, strategic, and moral – of assuming we can govern another nation by force.
“This is not a legitimate basis for toppling a government. It violates international law and has failed catastrophically in the past.”
Spokespeople for Lummis and Barrasso did not return messages seeking comment from the lawmakers in reaction to the criticism from Kaine and others.
War Powers Resolution
Kaine is sponsoring a war powers resolution, which would mandate congressional authorization for future U.S. military action in Venezuela. Under the Senate’s rules, the Republicans cannot stop that measure from getting a floor vote, which is expected next week.
One Republican, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, is a co-sponsor.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, applauded the Venezuela operation and said he will convene a briefing soon.
“Our military performed an incredibly complex mission with characteristic precision and professionalism. Today, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave individuals who were able to accomplish such a daring operation,” Wicker said in a statement.
“This arrest was the culmination of a monthslong effort by the Trump administration to degrade the narco-terrorist organizations that Maduro oversaw,” Wicker added. “The Venezuelan people must now act swiftly to put their country back on a path to peace and prosperity, which will redound to the benefit of all their neighbors. I will convene a briefing as soon as possible to hear testimony from senior military and law enforcement leaders about this operation.”
