Following the recent military actions in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, a closed-door meeting was held on Capitol Hill to brief select lawmakers. The meeting, intended to provide clarity on the situation, quickly revealed a divide in perspectives.
Key members of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan “Raizin” Caine and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, presented a classified briefing to congressional leaders and members of relevant committees.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized that the U.S. military is not engaging in a war in Venezuela and that the goal is not to occupy the country. Johnson clarified that the U.S. aims to encourage a change in behavior from the existing regime, with the hope that the newly formed interim government will make positive changes.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast, R-Fl., echoed this sentiment, describing the operation as a precise action to remove an obstacle for the Venezuelan people to shape their own future.
However, some Democrats expressed concerns regarding the long-term strategy and the extent of U.S. involvement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voiced skepticism, stating that the briefing raised more questions than it answered. He questioned the plan for Venezuela’s future and cautioned against potential nation-building efforts, fearing negative consequences for the United States.
Despite these concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed satisfaction with the briefing, calling it “a very comprehensive discussion.”
Lawmakers are expected to receive further information later in the week when Trump administration officials return to provide a full briefing on Operation Absolute Resolve.
