Leading Democratic Representative: 'Absolutely no reason for US to go to war with Venezuela'

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) strongly criticized the idea of the United States engaging in a military conflict with Venezuela as tensions rise between the two nations. Speaking on "The Hill on NewsNation," Smith, the senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said, There is absolutely no scenario in which the U.S. should be going to war or attempting to overthrow Venezuela's government.

Smith emphasized that the U.S. should not be pursuing regime change abroad. While I am not supportive of Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro, the notion that removing a leader will automatically result in a better replacement is misguided. History in Libya, Afghanistan, and Iraq should have taught us that lesson, he stated.

He also criticized the recent pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernndez by former President Trump, noting it occurred amid U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. Hernndez had received a 45-year sentence in July 2024 for aiding drug traffickers in transporting cocaine to the U.S.

Smith questioned the motives behind U.S. actions in the region: Is this truly about combating drugs, or is it about regime change? None of these operations have received congressional authorization, he said.

In response to escalating tensions, Senate Democrats and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) introduced a war powers resolution to prevent U.S. forces from taking military action against Venezuela without Congresss approval. This follows warnings from Trump that land-based operations in Venezuela could be imminent after a series of strikes on Caribbean vessels. The president has also approved covert CIA activities and deployed a significant military presence in the area.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), emphasized the need for public debate before entering conflict: The American people should not be pulled into an endless war with Venezuela without proper congressional deliberation. The Constitution requires that Congress weigh in before military action, they said.

Author: Chloe Ramirez