Veterans’ Groups Raise Concerns Over U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela
Several organizations representing veterans are expressing concern regarding the U.S. government’s recent military maneuvers targeting Venezuela.
Former New York Representative Max Rose, who serves as a senior advisor for VoteVets, emphasized the constitutional implications of current actions on October 31. Rose stated, “Let’s be very clear: this is unconstitutional. If the United States is going to go to war, it requires Congress’ approval.”
Since August, the U.S. administration has taken action against 20 fishing vessels in the Caribbean Sea, claiming these boats were involved in drug trafficking linked to Venezuela. However, no evidence supporting these claims has been disclosed. These actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 79 individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The situation has escalated with U.S. warships and an aircraft carrier positioned around Venezuela, leading to heightened military alertness within the country, potentially signaling an impending conflict.
Max Rose further critiqued the situation, saying, “We have to put our foot down, not only in objection to this decision, but to the steps this administration is taking to put us on the road to yet another forever war.”
President Donald Trump campaigned on the promise of ending U.S. involvement in foreign wars during his presidential runs. Despite this, actions taken during his second term include ordering airstrikes on Iran and failing to secure a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Efforts to broker peace between Israel and Hamas have also encountered setbacks and remain fragile.
On November 6, Senate Democrats attempted to pass a resolution aimed at preventing further actions in Venezuela. However, the measure was overwhelmingly blocked by Republican members of the Senate.
Jose Vasquez, executive director of Common Defense, a veterans’ rights group, criticized the Senate’s decision, stating, “The failure by the Senate to block his unauthorized military actions is a disservice to the rule of law. In our democracy, no president should have the power to start a war on his own.”
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army National Guard veteran and Iraq War casualty, echoed these concerns. “If Trump believes war is necessary, he must bring his case to Congress and prove why it’s worth turning more moms and dads into Gold Star parents,” Duckworth emphasized. “Let Congress debate. Let us vote. It’s our duty.”
Questions remain about the legality of the attacks on the fishing vessels, even if congressional approval were granted. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 generally restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement but allows for drug enforcement under certain conditions, specifically monitoring and intercepting narcotics flows.
Yale Law School professor Oona Hathaway criticized the military’s actions, telling CNN, “The decision to blow up the boat and kill everyone on board when interdiction and detention was a clearly available option is manifestly illegal and immoral.”
Potential political fallout is another concern, as a YouGov poll indicates that 62% of American voters oppose military intervention in Venezuela, with 22% undecided. Among independent voters, disapproval stands at 63%.
VoteVets’ Social Media Response
VoteVets pointed out the significant military presence near Venezuela, describing it as a thinly veiled “counternarcotics” mission. “Disguising the largest military buildup in decades off Venezuela as a ‘counternarcotics’ mission doesn’t hide the truth,” the group stated on social media. The post concluded with the hashtag
NoDepartmentOfForeverWar
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