Lankford Warns Against U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela, Cites Libya as Precedent
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., cautioned against using U.S. military force to achieve regime change in Venezuela during a Sunday appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” stating: “If you break it, you buy it.”
Lankford warned that U.S.-backed efforts in Libya following the collapse of its leadership led to a “failed state” and urged Washington to avoid similar outcomes. He noted that Venezuelan citizens have already voted against Nicolás Maduro and that the United States has long refused to recognize him as legitimate.
When pressed by host Kasie Hunt on whether American military assets should be deployed to overthrow Venezuela’s government, Lankford emphasized the need for a viable post-regime transition plan. He argued that current actions targeting oil tankers linked to sanctioned crude and narcotics trafficking must not risk further destabilizing the region.
The senator contrasted President Trump’s approach with the Biden administration’s, highlighting that at least one vessel tied to Venezuela had been sanctioned under Biden but no action was taken. Lankford stressed that U.S. efforts should disrupt shipments funding Maduro while curbing drug flows into America.
Additionally, Lankford addressed rising Obamacare premiums in Oklahoma, where marketplace insurance costs have increased 198% over six years compared with a 29% rise for standard commercial coverage. He blamed Democrats for structurally “unaffordable” provisions reliant on temporary subsidies set to expire this year.
Lankford acknowledged political risks but insisted Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked: Democrats advocate extending subsidies without reform, while Republicans push for individual-based support and expanded choices such as high-risk pools and association health plans.
