Rep. Melanie Stansbury, representing New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, has criticized the recent US military operation in Venezuela, describing it as illegal.
The condemnation follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were “captured on Saturday morning and flown out of the country” during what he described as a “large-scale strike” by US forces. Explosions were reportedly heard in Caracas and other locations.
In response, Rep. Stansbury took to X to assert that the military action overstepped constitutional authority, emphasizing that such operations require Congressional approval.
“The White House is confirming U.S. military operations in Venezuela tonight. Let us be clear: these strikes are illegal,” she wrote.
“The President does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress. Congress must act to rein him in. Immediately,” Stansbury added.