Washington: Indian American lawmakers have criticised US President Donald Trump for deploying military forces in Venezuela and his statement about ‘running Venezuela’.
Six Indian American members of the opposition Democratic Party have warned that the decision bypassed Congress, undermining constitutional limits on presidential power.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said that Nicolás Maduro’s record does not justify unilateral military action.
“Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate dictator who has caused great suffering to the Venezuelan people, but this truth does not grant any president a blank check to use military force without Congress,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi added that by acting without congressional approval and publicly asserting control over another sovereign nation, President Trump is misusing executive power and weakening the constitutional separation of powers.
“The administration must be accountable to the American people. Congress should be fully informed whether there have been casualties. Trump’s statement that America will run Venezuela commits the country to an open-ended responsibility without approval,” he warned.
He cautioned that this move could undermine the rule of law, embolden Moscow and Beijing to expand borders elsewhere, weaken US credibility, and ultimately make Americans less safe.
Suhas Subramanyam, ranking member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, said the operation contradicts Trump’s earlier opposition to new wars.
“President Trump promised to be a president with a peace mindset and not start new wars, yet he is illegally attacking other countries and abducting their leaders,” Subramanyam stated.
He noted that while Maduro is a violent ruler who suppressed democracy in his country, the manner of his capture will not achieve US goals. It will neither stop drug trafficking nor stabilise Venezuela, and may lead to another war under false pretences.
Other lawmakers viewed the operation as a warning against global norms.
Rep. Ro Khanna said, “By starting his preferred war to change Venezuela’s government today, Trump has betrayed his MAGA base.”
Khanna pointed to repeated failures of US interventions and questioned, “What will we say if Xi Jinping tries to capture Taiwan’s Lai or Putin tries to capture Zelensky in Ukraine?”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal accused Trump of breaking a key promise.
“Trump promised to end America’s wars but lied. This action is purely about oil, greed, and power. Washington is deciding Venezuela’s leadership, not its people,” she said.
Long-serving Indian American Congressman Ami Bera acknowledged Maduro’s illegitimacy but warned that attacking without Congress’s consent is deeply troubling and unconstitutional.
Congressman Shri Thanedar emphasised, “Only Congress has the authority to declare war. Trump’s actions are completely unconstitutional.”
The strong reaction from Indian American lawmakers reflects growing concern in Washington that the Venezuela operation, lacking legal approval, could drag the US into another open conflict.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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