UPDATE: In a significant political moment, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) hesitated to label the recent U.S. military strikes in Venezuela as ‘illegal’ during a live interview on CNN’s ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper’ earlier today. This reluctance comes on the heels of a military operation announced by President Donald Trump over the weekend, which involved the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The operation has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, with several progressive Democrats condemning the actions as illegal and potentially impeachable. However, Kelly’s response diverged from his colleagues, as he emphasized the complexity of lawful military orders.
“So what we were talking about in the video is about a service member being given a specific order and having to make a decision about whether this is lawful or not,” Kelly stated, referencing a viral video he participated in where he urged military personnel to reject illegal orders. His comments highlight the ongoing division within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.
Kelly described Maduro as a “bad guy” but criticized the lack of a clear plan following the military operation. He noted that the U.S. appears to have replaced Maduro with his second-in-command, Delcy Rodriguez, stating, “This is what we call in the Navy, fleeting up when the executive officer becomes the commanding officer.”
The fallout from the operation is escalating. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that Kelly will receive a formal censure letter due to perceived misconduct linked to the video, which Hegseth described as “reckless and seditious.” Hegseth has directed a review of Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, demanding recommendations within 45 days.
As tensions rise, the implications of these military actions are profound. With airspace closures reported in the wake of the strikes, the potential for further conflict remains high. The situation in Venezuela is precarious, with opposition supporters left wondering about their leaders’ fate as the Trump administration solidifies its military presence.
What happens next in this unfolding drama remains uncertain. Observers are urged to monitor developments closely as lawmakers grapple with the ramifications of military decisions that could redefine U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops.
