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In recent events that have captured the nation’s attention, Governor Gavin Newsom and leading Democrats have vocally criticized President Trump following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This bold action, part of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved U.S. military forces conducting a swift operation to capture Maduro directly from Caracas, raising significant controversy.
Governor Newsom, who appears to be positioning himself for a potential presidential bid in 2028, did not hold back his criticism. He expressed his concerns over the operation, calling it a dangerous maneuver lacking a strategic long-term vision beyond seizing Venezuela’s oil resources. “Maduro is a thug and a criminal. But Donald Trump proposing to ‘run’ Venezuela without a coherent long-term plan beyond an oil grab is dangerous for America. The path forward must be democracy, human rights, and stability,” Newsom remarked in a statement reported by The Hill.
The reaction from Democrats has been swift and unified, with many echoing Newsom’s sentiments. Across the country, voices from California to Capitol Hill have condemned the operation as a diversion from domestic issues and a blatant attempt to commandeer Venezuela’s oil wealth.
Adding to the chorus, former Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently decided against running for Newsom’s soon-to-be-vacant seat, criticized Trump’s actions. She accused him of attempting to play the role of a “regional strongman” solely to secure Venezuela’s oil reserves. Harris argued that the operation lacked an exit strategy and was driven by “Trump’s desire,” rather than the interests of the American populace.
Former VP Kamala Harris, who recently took a pass on running for Newsom’s soon-to-be-vacant seat, chimed in with a similar refrain. She accused Trump of playing a “regional strongman” to secure Venezuela’s oil reserves. “There is no exit plan,” Harris said, claiming the move was about “Trump’s desire,” not the American people.
Not to be outdone, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to X to accuse Trump of launching a “war for regime change” to hide a “failing economy.”
“The American people don’t want to ‘run’ a foreign country while our leaders fail to improve life in this one,” Buttigieg wrote.
Meanwhile, AOC said, “It’s not about drugs,” in a nod to Trump’s recent pardoning of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. “It’s about oil and regime change,” she wrote on X. “And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from Epstein + skyrocketing healthcare costs.”
While the progressive wing screams “illegal war,” some moderate dems are also struggling to keep their balance. Sen. Mark Kelly acknowledged Maduro as a “brutal, illegitimate dictator” who belongs in a cage, but didn’t praise the mission, citing Iraq war flashbacks.
His fellow Arizonan, Sen. Ruben Gallego, was far more blunt: “No matter the outcome we are in the wrong for starting this war in Venezuela.”
Despite the hand-wringing, Maduro and his wife are being fitted for a jumpsuit in NYC facing narco-terrorism charges.