President Donald Trump of the United States issued a sharp critique on Thursday targeting a faction of Republican senators who sided with Democrats to pass a resolution. This measure restricts his ability to initiate new military actions against Venezuela without Congressional approval.
In a post on his social platform, Truth Social, Trump declared that the vote "severely hinders American self-defense and national security." He accused the dissenting lawmakers of trying to undermine his authority as commander in chief.
"Republicans should be ashamed of those senators who voted with Democrats to strip us of the power to fight and protect the United States of America," Trump wrote, calling out Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young by name.
He further stated, "They should never be re-elected."
Trump argued that the resolution "undermines the president's authority as commander in chief" and described the War Powers Act of 1973, which the Senate measure relies on, as "unconstitutional."
According to Trump, this law violates Article II of the Constitution, a point he claimed has been supported by previous administrations and various departments of Justice.
The resolution, spearheaded by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, passed with a vote of 52 to 47. It aims to require the president to gain explicit approval from Congress before launching new military actions against Venezuela.
This initiative followed a recent U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
While the measure is unlikely to become law—requiring either the president's signature or a majority large enough to override a potential veto—its approval sends a powerful political message about the growing concern in Capitol Hill over the unilateral use of military force.
Trump defended his choice not to notify Congress ahead of the operation against Maduro, citing security concerns and the risk of leaks.
"Congress tends to leak information. Had that happened, the outcome would have been very different," he recently stated.
Despite the adverse vote, the president indicated that the debate is far from over.
In his message, he announced that "a much more significant vote" on this issue is set for next week in the Senate, forecasting another institutional clash between the White House and Congress over the limits of presidential war powers.
Understanding the Impact of the Senate's Venezuela Vote
What is the significance of the Senate's resolution on Venezuela?
The Senate's resolution seeks to limit the president's power to initiate military actions against Venezuela without Congressional approval, emphasizing Congress's role in authorizing such actions.
Why does Trump oppose the War Powers Act of 1973?
Trump argues that the War Powers Act of 1973 is unconstitutional as it infringes upon the president's authority as commander in chief, a position he claims is supported by historical precedents.
How did the recent U.S. operation in Caracas influence this resolution?
The resolution was influenced by a recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, raising concerns about the president's unilateral military actions.