Veterans Groups Criticize White House Actions Toward Venezuela
Veterans’ organizations are expressing concern over the U.S. administration’s recent military moves directed at Venezuela.
Former New York Representative Max Rose, serving as a senior advisor for VoteVets, stated on October 31, “Let’s be very clear: this is unconstitutional. If the United States is going to go to war, it requires Congress’ approval.”
In recent actions since August, the administration has reportedly destroyed 20 fishing boats in the Caribbean, alleging they were involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela, a claim not supported by public evidence. The incidents resulted in the deaths of 79 individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Currently, U.S. naval forces, including warships and an aircraft carrier, are stationed near Venezuela, prompting the country to heighten its military readiness in anticipation of a possible U.S. invasion.
Rose emphasized, “We have to put our foot down, not only in objection to this decision but to the steps this administration is taking to put us on the road to yet another forever war.”
Despite campaigning on ending overseas conflicts, President Donald Trump’s administration has launched airstrikes against Iran and failed to mediate a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Efforts to maintain a truce between Israel and Hamas have also faced challenges, as detailed in a report on diplomatic tensions.
On November 6, efforts by Senate Democrats to halt further military action in Venezuela were thwarted by Republican opposition, as reported by Politico.
Jose Vasquez, executive director of Common Defense, critiqued the Senate’s decision, stating, “The failure by the Senate to block his unauthorized military actions is a disservice to the rule of law. In our democracy, no president should have the power to start a war on his own.”
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Army National Guard officer injured in the Iraq War, echoed this sentiment. “If Trump believes war is necessary, he must bring his case to Congress and prove why it’s worth turning more moms and dads into Gold Star parents,” Duckworth commented. “Let Congress debate. Let us vote. It’s our duty.”
The legality of the boat strikes remains questionable, even with congressional backing. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 restricts military involvement in law enforcement, allowing only limited participation in drug enforcement activities.
Yale Law School professor Oona Hathaway labeled the military’s actions against the fishing vessels as “manifestly illegal and immoral,” as quoted in a CNN article.
Public sentiment appears largely against military intervention in Venezuela, with a YouGov poll indicating that 62% of American voters are opposed, and 63% of independents disapproving of such actions.
#NoDepartmentOfForeverWar
VoteVets highlighted their stance on social media, emphasizing, “Disguising the largest military buildup in decades off Venezuela as a ‘counternarcotics’ mission doesn’t hide the truth. The Trump administration is manufacturing a new Forever War.”
