Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) criticized President Trump’s indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as “hypocritical” following Trump’s pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted on drug trafficking charges. On social platform X, Pelosi stated that if Trump’s actions are based on drug trafficking allegations, they contradict his recent clemency towards Hernández, who was accused of smuggling over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.
In November, Trump pardoned Hernández after he was found guilty of over a decade of collaboration with drug traffickers. Trump argued that Hernández was treated “harshly and unfairly” and suggested that the Biden administration was involved in a “setup” leading to his arrest and conviction.
On the same day, the U.S. executed strikes in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump announced that the couple is now aboard the USS Iwo Jima and will face serious charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and weapon possession.
Pelosi called for Congress to be informed about the military actions and the strategic plan for regime change in Venezuela, asserting that the administration has not justified the military force used as a response to an immediate threat to national security. She further criticized Trump for bypassing Congress regarding the operation, suggesting his approach undermines the constitutional checks and balances integral to the government.
Details surrounding the strikes remain sparse, with concerns raised about potential civilian casualties in Venezuela. Defense Minister General Padrino Lopez reported that civilian homes suffered damage during the attacks, though the full extent of casualties is still being assessed.
Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, confirmed the U.S. intends to oversee Venezuela until a safe and proper transition can occur, also claiming control over the country’s oil production, which he described as lacking profitability for some time.
The reaction in Congress was divided along party lines, with Democrats decrying the strikes as illegal and Republicans supporting Maduro’s capture. Notably, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has been critical of Trump in the past, expressed his concerns about the legality of the military operation.
While the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, Pelosi’s comments highlight the complex political landscape surrounding U.S. foreign policy and actions in the region. The ramifications of these military strikes could significantly impact both international relations and internal stability in Venezuela.