Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the Trump administration’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Saturday, characterizing the operation as both “unlawful” and “unwise.”
Harris Criticizes Maduro Capture
Harris voiced her objections in a post on X, acknowledging Maduro as a “brutal” and “illegitimate” dictator, but arguing that President Donald Trump’s actions would not improve American security or economic well-being. She stated, “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.”
Harris drew parallels to past interventions, warning that “wars for regime change or oil…turn into chaos, and American families pay the price.” She further accused the administration of prioritizing oil interests over genuine efforts to combat drug trafficking or promote democracy, alleging a desire to “play the regional strongman.”
The Trump administration confirmed the capture and transport of Maduro and his wife out of Venezuela as part of an operation called “Operation Absolute Resolve.” Maduro and his wife were transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, late Saturday after processing by the DEA in Manhattan.
Harris also asserted that the President was endangering U.S. troops and destabilizing the region, stating, “The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home.”
Earlier Saturday, President Trump stated the U.S. government would “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kamala Harris’s primary criticism of the Trump administration’s actions?
Kamala Harris argued that the Trump administration’s capture of Nicolás Maduro was both “unlawful” and “unwise,” and that the actions were motivated by oil interests rather than genuine concerns for democracy or security.
Where are Maduro and his wife currently being held?
Maduro and his wife arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, late Saturday after being transported by helicopter from the DEA in Manhattan.
What did President Trump say about the future of U.S. involvement in Venezuela?
President Trump stated that the U.S. government would “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Given the strong reactions from both sides, what impact might this operation have on regional stability and international relations in the long term?
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