Harris Denounces Trump’s Venezuela Operation as ‘Unlawful,’ Warning of Chaos and Cost
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for ordering the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, labeling the move “both unlawful and unwise.”
In a Saturday night post on X, Harris argued that Trump’s Venezuela operation fails to make America safer, stronger, or more affordable—even while acknowledging Maduro is a “brutal, illegitimate dictator.”
She warned Americans have “seen this movie before,” noting that past interventions sold as strength often “turn into chaos, and American families pay the price.”
Harris, who has been rumored as a potential Democrat contender in the 2028 presidential race, added that the mission is not about drugs or democracy but rather “oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman.”
“The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home,” she stated.
She emphasized that America needs leadership focused on “lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”
Harris’ statement aligns her with congressional Democrats who claim the Trump administration misled lawmakers about Venezuela plans.
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted that senior officials repeatedly denied any intention to pursue regime change during briefings, leaving lawmakers without clarity on how risks would be managed.
Representative Don Beyer of Virginia accused the administration of launching an “illegal war for regime change and oil.”
Trump defended the secrecy behind the operation, stating Congress “has a tendency to leak” and thus wasn’t fully informed.
Maduro was flown to the United States and is currently detained in a New York facility awaiting court appearance on federal drug charges.
Photos of the 63-year-old leader blindfolded and handcuffed stunned Venezuelans and sparked widespread international criticism, with world leaders and the United Nations warning the raid could set a “dangerous precedent.”
Russia and China condemned the operation as a violation of sovereignty.
Trump indicated the U.S. would temporarily manage Venezuela’s oil assets “until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” but provided few details on an exit strategy.
Maduro’s allies remain in control of Caracas, while uncertainty persists over who will lead the country next— with Trump reportedly offering minimal support to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
