President Donald Trump on Thursday stated that he does not require Congress’ approval to carry out strikes on land in Venezuela.
Addressing concerns over his constitutional authority, Trump said he would not have an issue informing lawmakers but emphasized it is not necessary, citing worries that politicians “leak like a sieve.”
“I wouldn’t mind telling them, but you know, it’s not a big deal. I don’t have to tell them,” he remarked in the Oval Office.
The comments come amid ongoing controversy over US military actions. Since September, the United States has conducted multiple air strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 99 deaths. Critics argue the operations may exceed Trump’s constitutional powers.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US campaign of pursuing regime change rather than combating drug trafficking.
For context, after the 9/11 attacks, Congress authorized the use of military force in Afghanistan and Iraq, a mandate that has also been used to justify counterterrorism operations in other countries.
