After Maduro’s Capture, Democrats Shift Focus to Affordability
Democrats Face Internal Divisions Over Trump’s Venezuela Operation
The Democratic Party is currently navigating a complex challenge as it tries to formulate a response to the Trump administration’s military intervention in Venezuela. The operation, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has exposed deep-seated differences within the party regarding foreign policy and domestic priorities.
Many Democrats are now questioning how much to criticize the Trump administration’s actions, even though there is general agreement that Maduro should not remain in power. Several members of Congress have condemned Trump for conducting the raid without informing lawmakers, while also expressing their own criticisms of Maduro, who has long been a target of bipartisan criticism.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of constitutional compliance during a recent statement. “The Constitution isn’t a matter of inconvenience. It’s a requirement,” he said. “There is no Trump exception to the United States Constitution.”
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s war powers against Venezuela following his administration’s lethal strikes on alleged drug boats. This development underscores the growing concerns among Democrats about the executive branch’s use of military force without sufficient oversight.
Some Democrats have attempted to connect the Venezuela operation with broader issues like healthcare costs and other cost-of-living concerns. They argue that Trump’s focus on foreign affairs detracts from his campaign promises to avoid unnecessary wars.
Rep. Patrick Ryan, a New York Democrat and Army combat veteran, voiced his concerns about the direction of the administration. “Do we want to start more regime change, oil-focused wars, or do we actually want healthcare for the American people?” he asked. “That’s the choice that was just made with no consultation by the people or the Congress on January 3 that many of us woke up to that morning.”
Potential 2028 presidential candidates are also focusing on the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, which will lead to higher health care costs for millions of Americans. However, they are also emphasizing their opposition to Maduro.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro described Maduro as a “bad guy” who stole elections and oppressed his people. He also raised concerns about the need to address domestic issues rather than getting involved in foreign conflicts. “The idea that we’re going to go get entangled in foreign wars instead of fixing the problems here at home, that’s my biggest beef with this,” he said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker highlighted the need for a president focused on making lives more affordable. “Americans deserve a President focused on making their lives more affordable,” he wrote on X.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is often mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate, criticized the Maduro trial as a distraction from other pressing issues. She referenced the release of Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that the operation was meant to divert attention from these matters.
Veterans within the Democratic Party have drawn parallels between Trump’s references to Venezuela’s oil supplies and the US invasion of Iraq. They fear that such actions could lead to another costly and prolonged conflict.
Public opinion on the military operation remains divided. A Washington Post poll conducted over the weekend found that 40% of US adults approved of the operation, while 42% disapproved and 18% were unsure. Additionally, 63% of respondents believed the operation should have required congressional approval, with 37% supporting the president’s decision to act unilaterally.
For Democrats, the challenge lies in balancing their domestic policy priorities with the need to assert themselves on foreign policy matters. Joel Rubin, a Democratic strategist, noted that Trump missed an opportunity to gain bipartisan support for Maduro’s ouster by bypassing Congress. He urged potential candidates to focus on national security interests rather than pandering to their base.
The military action has also highlighted the difficulties Democrats face in serving as a check on executive power while being in the minority. Matt Duss, a former adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders, criticized the party for not matching their words with actions. “Their actions don’t reflect their words when it comes to the alarm they’re trying to sound. They need to start acting like they really believe this is a crisis.”
- GTK 2026 Error Saat Login? Ini Arti Pesan Kesalahannya dan Cara Mengatasinya - January 26, 2026
- Soal dan Pembahasan Reaksi Kimia untuk Tingkat SMA - January 26, 2026
- Doctor Rocket Bermitra dengan Remmie untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Virtual dengan Otoskop Pintar - January 26, 2026
Leave a Reply