Republicans largely back Trump's Venezuela action, but Democrats decry it as unjustified. Top congressional leaders, including the "Gang of 8", did not receive a briefing from the administration before the U.S. strike in Venezuela began, multiple sources confirmed to ABC News on Saturday morning. The Department of Defense notified congressional staff after the operation started. President Donald Trump had previously indicated he wouldn't brief lawmakers in advance due to concerns about leaks. Early reactions from Congress were divided along party lines. Secretary of State Marco Rubio worked to secure support among Republicans on Capitol Hill. Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee initially criticized the action for lacking congressional authorization, but later expressed comfort with the administration's authority after a phone call with Rubio. Rubio explained that Nicolás Maduro had been arrested by U.S. personnel and would face trial in the U.S. on criminal charges, and that the operation was to protect those executing the arrest warrant. This action aligns with the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to safeguard U.S. personnel from imminent threats. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, a Republican, echoed similar sentiments after speaking with Rubio, emphasizing Maduro's role as an illegitimate dictator and drug trafficker. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the military action as decisive and justified to protect American lives, with briefings scheduled for next week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also supported Trump's actions, framing them as part of a valid Department of Justice warrant. However, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes, countered that regime change was not the administration's goal and called for immediate congressional briefing on the matter. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine criticized Trump's actions, advocating for a resolution to block the use of U.S. armed forces in Venezuela without congressional authorization. Some Republicans, like Rep. Thomas Massie, Rep. Don Bacon, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed critical views, questioning the constitutionality and strategic rationale of the operation.
