The recent military operation conducted by the United States in Venezuela has sparked strong reactions from leaders across Northern California and the Bay Area. Following President Donald Trump‘s announcement that U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, officials voiced their concerns regarding the legality and implications of the action.
On Saturday evening, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to the Stewart Air National Guard Base near New York City. They face federal charges of drug trafficking and weapons violations after U.S. military operations targeted Venezuelan military facilities. This operation followed earlier strikes in the Caribbean Sea and the seizure of two oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast. President Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Political Reactions from Northern California
Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui emphasized that military conflict should always be a last resort. In a statement, she criticized the operation as “illegal” and “reckless,” arguing that it risks entangling the U.S. in a broader conflict. Matsui remarked, “Sending U.S. forces into another country without congressional authorization constitutes an unauthorized act of war by the President. This action demands accountability.”
Congressman John Garamendi also condemned the operation, labeling it an “illegal attack” on Venezuela’s capital. He raised concerns about the lack of a clear plan for establishing a democratic government post-Maduro, questioning, “How can this be done without American boots on the ground and without bloodshed?”
In contrast, Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley praised the military operation, stating that both the U.S. and Venezuela are “immeasurably better off” without Maduro. Kiley described the event as a pivotal moment for Venezuela, marking the end of Maduro’s “illegitimate rule” and the beginning of a legal process aimed at delivering justice. He expressed gratitude for the service members’ efforts, stating, “Today marks a chance at a new beginning for the people of Venezuela.”
Congressman Doug LaMalfa echoed Kiley’s sentiments, characterizing the military action as an “amazing display of American military power and precision.” He asserted that the operation sends a clear message to those who challenge U.S. authority.
Bay Area Leaders Express Concerns
Bay Area officials, including Democratic Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and State Senator Scott Wiener, voiced strong opposition to the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. Simon described the operation as “unconstitutional,” questioning the motives behind it. She pointed out that the administration has framed the intervention as a fight against drugs while suggesting that the real aim is to reclaim Venezuela’s oil resources. “This is a war being sold to the American people under false pretenses,” Simon remarked.
Senator Wiener also criticized the legality of the military action, labeling it an impeachable offense. He stated, “Trump has no legal authority to invade Venezuela, given the lack of authorization by Congress. This lawless act is yet another impeachable offense by this thug President.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added her voice to the dissent, asserting that the Trump administration has not adequately justified the military action as a response to an urgent threat to U.S. national security. She stated, “President Trump has made no secret of his intentions to effectively abolish the Congress, and that pattern continues today with his flagrant disregard for the Article One war powers of Congress.”
Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson characterized the military operation as “illegal,” asserting that decisions regarding military force should involve Congress, particularly when there is no immediate danger to the United States. He called for Congress to convene immediately to discuss the legal justification for the attack and outline a comprehensive plan to prevent further chaos in the region.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the political landscape in the United States remains divided over the implications of military intervention and the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
