Former Vice President Kamala Harris has broken her silence with a stern message directed at President Donald Trump following the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Her message questions not only the legality of the operation but also its underlying motives.
In a social media post, Harris, who lost the presidential race to Trump in November 2024, labeled Maduro as a "brutal" and "illegitimate" dictator. However, she emphasized that, in her view, the operation conducted by Washington is not genuinely about combating drug trafficking or defending democracy.
"We've seen this movie before," Harris stated, referencing interventions that are portrayed as shows of strength but ultimately lead to chaos, with everyday families bearing the consequences.
Her statement came just hours after confirmation that Maduro and his wife had been removed from Venezuela and brought to the United States as part of a military operation named "Absolute Resolution," which involved explosions and power outages in Caracas.
Harris argues that the true motivation is oil and Trump's ambition to position himself as the "strongman" of the region.
"The reality is these actions do not make the United States safer, stronger, or more affordable," declared the former vice president. She criticized the risk to American troops, the billions of dollars being spent, and the further destabilization of Latin America, all without a clear legal framework or exit strategy in place.
Harris also took aim at the president's double standards, pointing out the hypocrisy of discussing drugs and democracy while pardoning convicted drug traffickers and sidelining the Venezuelan opposition, even as negotiations occur with figures close to the Chavismo movement.
"The American people are tired of being lied to," she concluded.
Questions on Kamala Harris's Critique of Trump's Venezuela Operations
What is Kamala Harris's main concern about the operation in Venezuela?
Kamala Harris is concerned that the operation in Venezuela is not truly about fighting drug trafficking or defending democracy but is instead motivated by oil interests and Trump's desire to project strength in the region.
How does Harris view the impact of the operation on the United States?
Harris believes the operation does not enhance the safety, strength, or affordability of the United States and criticizes it for risking American troops and destabilizing Latin America without a clear legal or strategic framework.
What hypocrisy does Harris point out in Trump's actions?
Harris highlights the hypocrisy in Trump's actions by noting the contradiction of discussing drugs and democracy while pardoning convicted drug traffickers and negotiating with figures close to the Chavismo movement.