Key Congressional Democrats Line Up Against Trump's Venezuela AttackKey congressional Democrats lined up in opposition to President Donald Trump's attack on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro, arguing the operation was illegal and strategically unwise. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the operation to oust Maduro was "entirely inconsistent with what his cabinet repeatedly briefed to Congress and goes against the wishes of the American people." Top Trump officials had repeatedly said the United States was not seeking regime change in Venezuela.While acknowledging Maduro was a "tyrant," Shaheen said his ouster draws "America deeper into open conflict at grave risk to our service members."Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, similarly noted the administration has said it was not seeking regime change in the country. "Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos," Himes said. .@SenatorShaheen, top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee: “I urge the Trump Administration to immediately brief Congress on these actions when the Senate returns to Washington on Monday—if not, sooner.” pic.twitter.com/v9gh31Em8N— Anthony Adragna (@AnthonyAdragna) January 3, 2026See All UpdatesClose