Overview
- The White House says U.S. forces removed Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela after overnight strikes and flew him out to face U.S. charges that include narco‑terrorism, with Cilia Flores also detained.
- Democratic lawmakers labeled the operation illegal without congressional authorization and demanded immediate briefings and a clear post‑operation strategy.
- Sen. Tim Kaine said he will force a vote to bar war with Venezuela absent explicit authorization, and committees are preparing investigations when Congress returns.
- Republicans mostly praised the capture, though some—such as Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Mike Lee—pressed for legal justification and better consultation with Congress.
- A few Democrats, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, welcomed Maduro’s removal while criticizing the lack of prior notice, as delegations from multiple states issued statements on the strikes.