A major political storm has erupted in Washington as Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for what they describe as efforts to “push for regime change in Venezuela.”
In a statement posted on social media, the lawmakers warned that the American people “don’t want another war” and insisted that Congress “can’t let any president start one illegally or unilaterally.” They emphasized that such actions would go against the U.S. Constitution, which clearly separates the powers of Congress and the president when it comes to declaring and conducting wars.
Growing Tension Over U.S. Policy Toward Venezuela and Marco Rubio
The controversy comes after a New York Times report claimed that Trump had ordered an end to all diplomatic talks with Venezuela. According to the outlet, Trump instructed U.S. envoy Richard Grenell to halt any further outreach efforts as he grew increasingly frustrated with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s refusal to step down from power.
Trump became particularly angered by Maduro’s continued denial of having ties to drug cartels. As a result, U.S. officials drew up multiple military strategies to prepare for potential escalation — a process reportedly supported by Marco Rubio, who has long criticized Maduro’s leadership.
So far, the U.S. military has conducted at least four strikes on vessels it claimed were transporting drugs intended for the American market. However, some of the new plans could also aim to remove Maduro from office altogether.
Top officials in the Trump administration, including Marco Rubio, have repeatedly called Maduro an illegitimate leader. Rubio’s tough stance on Venezuela has made him one of the most outspoken U.S. officials on the issue, often urging for stronger actions to challenge the country’s leadership.
Constitutional Dispute Over War Powers and Marco Rubio
Democrats criticized what they see as an overreach of executive power, noting that Congress, not the president, has the authority to declare war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution. They said while the president can execute military actions, he cannot start a war on his own — a limit they argue both Trump and Marco Rubio are ignoring in Venezuela.
They also cited the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits military action to 60 days without approval. Democrats warned that bypassing these rules risks unchecked presidential power and another unauthorized conflict.
Marco Rubio has repeatedly argued that Maduro’s government threatens regional stability. While supporters view his stance as defending democracy, Democrats say it heightens confrontation and the risk of war. Rubio and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have called Maduro an “illegitimate dictator,” signaling the administration’s firm position amid stalled diplomacy.
Secret DOJ Opinion Adds Fuel to the Debate
CNN revealed that the U.S. Department of Justice issued a classified legal opinion expanding presidential authority to use military force. Written by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), it states that President Trump can authorize deadly force against suspected drug traffickers and cartel members if deemed an “imminent threat” to the U.S.
Legal experts say the opinion could justify an open-ended military campaign without congressional approval, allowing lethal force outside declared war zones. Sarah Harrison, a former Pentagon counsel, warned that this gives the president “extraordinary powers” to wage wars far broader than those authorized after 9/11.
She added that by this logic, any group trafficking drugs into the U.S. could be treated as hostile forces, giving the administration grounds for lethal response.
Democrats argue this interpretation — supported by Marco Rubio — dangerously expands executive power and bypasses Congress. The House Foreign Affairs Committee has demanded transparency and insisted that any action in Venezuela must be fully authorized by lawmakers.
War drums in the Caribbean: armed Venezuelan F-16 jets fly directly over U.S. Navy warship
Broader Concerns About U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
Relations between Washington and Caracas remain tense, with the U.S. accusing Nicolás Maduro’s government of corruption and human rights abuses. Sanctions and diplomatic isolation have long been part of U.S. strategy.
However, new reports of military planning and legal justifications have renewed fears of deeper U.S. involvement in Latin America. Marco Rubio continues to play a key role, urging stronger measures against Maduro’s regime.
For now, House Democrats insist that any move toward regime change or military action must follow the Constitution — and that the American people do not want another war.