Rising US–Venezuela Tensions
Washington, DC | December 18, 2025
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela continue to escalate as President Donald Trump remains firm on pursuing military action, despite efforts by Democratic lawmakers to rein in his authority.
On Wednesday, Democratic members of Congress introduced a resolution that would have required the Trump administration to seek congressional approval before launching any military operation against Venezuela. However, the proposal was blocked by Republican lawmakers, leading to its rejection.
Democratic-Led Resolution Rejected
The resolution was introduced amid growing concern over the US military buildup in the Caribbean region. According to lawmakers, US forces have been conducting operations targeting vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking. These operations, including a strike reported on Wednesday, have reportedly resulted in at least 99 deaths.
Democrats invoked the War Powers Resolution, arguing that the president cannot engage in sustained military action without Congress’s consent. The proposal sought to legally bind the administration to obtain approval before escalating operations against Venezuela.
Republicans Back Trump’s Campaign
Republican leaders stood firmly behind the president. House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking Democrat Gregory Meeks accused Trump of escalating aggression due to an interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Republicans rejected that criticism. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the administration has openly expressed its desire for regime change in Venezuela, adding that he had “no issue” with that objective.
Escalating War of Words
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of attempting to impose a puppet government in Caracas, warning that such a move would strip the country of its sovereignty and turn it into a colony.
Meanwhile, Trump escalated rhetoric on his social media platform Truth Social, writing that US military deployment around Venezuela would continue until the country returns “oil, land, and other assets” he claimed were previously taken from the United States.
