In a surprising move, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from South Florida, lauded President Donald Trump's military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicols Maduro.
Wasserman Schultz expressed that the removal of Maduro is "welcome news" for the Venezuelan exiles, although she critiqued the lack of congressional notification. According to WND, while she broke ranks with her party, many congressional Democrats quickly condemned the military action as illegal and detrimental to American interests.
"The capture of the brutal, illegitimate ruler of Venezuela, Nicols Maduro, who oppressed Venezuelas people is welcome news for my friends and neighbors who fled his violent, lawless, and disastrous rule," Wasserman Schultz stated on X. She further advocated for a "liberated Venezuela" with democratic governance, emphasizing that "cutting off the head of a snake is fruitless if it just regrows."
Wasserman Schultz's sentiments were echoed by Democratic Florida Rep. Darren Soto, who hailed the operation as a "major step towards a #VenezuelaLibre," yet criticized the president for bypassing congressional approval, a move the Trump administration defended as unnecessary. Meanwhile, other Democrats have been vocal in their opposition, having long challenged Trump's authority to use military force in Venezuela.
Democratic Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego voiced his disapproval, stating, "Second unjustified war in my lifetime. This war is illegal, its embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year." Similarly, Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff argued that the operation undermines the Constitution and damages America's global reputation.
Republicans, on the other hand, refuted claims that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela, with the Trump administration not indicating any plans for further military action. Florida lawmakers, particularly, showed strong support for the apprehension of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who face federal charges in New York.
"Maduros narco-dictatorship has ENDED," declared Rep. Mara Elvira Salazar, representing a South Florida district, on X. She accused Maduro of poisoning children and exporting crime, asserting that he will now face U.S. justice.
Republican Florida Sen. Rick Scott praised the operation, stating, "This is peace through strength on full display," and emphasized that the world is now a safer place. South Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S., has a significant population of Venezuelan descent, particularly in Doral, Florida, where approximately 40% of residents trace their roots to Venezuela.
The capture of Maduro has resonated deeply within this community, offering hope for a future free from the shadow of his oppressive regime.
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