Growing concerns are emerging from various veterans’ groups regarding recent U.S. military activities near Venezuela, sparking debates over constitutional boundaries and foreign policy decisions.
Former New York Representative Max Rose, serving as a senior advisor to VoteVets, emphasized the constitutional implications. “Let’s be very clear: this is unconstitutional,” he stated on October 31. “If the United States is going to go to war, it requires Congress’ approval.”
Since August, the U.S. has reportedly destroyed 20 fishing boats in the Caribbean Sea, alleging them to be involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela. However, no evidence has been disclosed to support these allegations. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 79 individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
In response, U.S. military forces, including warships and an aircraft carrier, have stationed themselves around Venezuela, prompting the Venezuelan military to heighten its alert status in anticipation of a possible invasion.
“We have to put our foot down, not only in objection to this decision,” Rose continued, “but to the steps this administration is taking to put us on the road to yet another forever war.”
Despite campaign promises to end foreign conflicts, President Donald Trump has faced criticism for ordering airstrikes against Iran and falling short in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile as per recent reports.
On November 6, Senate Democrats proposed a resolution to halt President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, but Republican lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, according to a report.
Jose Vasquez, executive director of Common Defense, expressed his concerns: “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 Iraq War veteran, echoed these sentiments. “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,” she said. “Let Congress debate. Let us vote. It’s our duty.”
Questions remain about the legality of the attacks on fishing vessels even with congressional approval. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 restricts military involvement in law enforcement, allowing only monitoring and interception of narcotics.
Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law School professor, criticized the military’s actions. “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,” she told CNN.
Politically, the situation could be detrimental. A YouGov poll reveals that 62% of American voters are against military action in Venezuela, with an additional 22% undecided. Independent voters also largely disapprove, with 63% opposing such measures.
“Disguising the largest military buildup in decades off Venezuela as a ‘counternarcotics’ mission doesn’t hide the truth,”
VoteVets stated in a social media post, accusing the administration of paving the way for a new “Forever War.” The message concluded with the hashtag #NoDepartmentOfForeverWar.
