US Defends Venezuela Intervention Amidst Senate Scrutiny
Published 28 January 2026
Highlights
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the removal of Nicolás Maduro and the US intervention in Venezuela during a Senate hearing.
- Rubio emphasized the operation was a "law enforcement" action, not a war, and maintained that no US troops are stationed in Venezuela.
- The US has seized Venezuelan oil, with plans to manage sales through US Treasury accounts, sparking debate over the legality and ethics of these actions.
- Rubio did not rule out future military action but stated it was not currently planned, focusing instead on improving Venezuela's situation.
- Legal challenges and political pushback are emerging, with critics questioning the Trump administration's authority and strategy.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: US Defends Venezuela Intervention Amidst Senate Scrutiny
In a contentious Senate hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio staunchly defended the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, which included the removal of Nicolás Maduro and the seizure of the country's oil assets. The hearing, held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, provided a platform for lawmakers to question the legality and implications of the US actions.
US Intervention Justified as Law Enforcement
Rubio, addressing the committee, characterized the intervention as a "law enforcement operation" aimed at addressing drug trafficking, rather than an act of war. "We did not occupy a country. There are no US troops on the ground," Rubio stated, countering accusations that the administration bypassed Congress's authority to declare war. The operation led to Maduro's capture and extradition to the US, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
Oil Seizure Sparks Debate
The US has taken control of Venezuelan oil, with initial sales managed through offshore accounts before transitioning to US Treasury accounts. Rubio assured that this move was necessary to stabilize Venezuela's economy and ensure cooperation. However, critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, argued that such actions resemble coercion, questioning the ethical and legal grounds of the administration's strategy.
Future Military Action Uncertain
While Rubio did not rule out future military action, he emphasized that it was not currently anticipated. "Military action is not good for recovery and transition," he acknowledged, suggesting that diplomatic and economic measures would be prioritized. Despite this, Rubio warned that the US remains prepared to use force if necessary to protect its interests.
Legal and Political Challenges Ahead
The intervention has sparked legal challenges, including a wrongful-death lawsuit related to a US strike on suspected drug boats. Politically, the move has divided Congress, with Democrats criticizing the executive overreach and Republicans largely supporting the administration's actions. As Venezuela remains under interim leadership, the US faces ongoing scrutiny over its foreign policy decisions.
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Scenario Analysis
The US intervention in Venezuela could lead to significant geopolitical and legal ramifications. Should the situation in Venezuela stabilize under interim leadership, the US may claim success in its strategy. However, continued legal challenges and international criticism could undermine this narrative. Experts suggest that the US must tread carefully to avoid further escalation and ensure that its actions align with international law and democratic principles. The outcome of Maduro's trial and the management of Venezuelan oil assets will be pivotal in shaping the future of US-Venezuela relations.
In a contentious Senate hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio staunchly defended the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, which included the removal of Nicolás Maduro and the seizure of the country's oil assets. The hearing, held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, provided a platform for lawmakers to question the legality and implications of the US actions.
US Intervention Justified as Law Enforcement
Rubio, addressing the committee, characterized the intervention as a "law enforcement operation" aimed at addressing drug trafficking, rather than an act of war. "We did not occupy a country. There are no US troops on the ground," Rubio stated, countering accusations that the administration bypassed Congress's authority to declare war. The operation led to Maduro's capture and extradition to the US, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
Oil Seizure Sparks Debate
The US has taken control of Venezuelan oil, with initial sales managed through offshore accounts before transitioning to US Treasury accounts. Rubio assured that this move was necessary to stabilize Venezuela's economy and ensure cooperation. However, critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, argued that such actions resemble coercion, questioning the ethical and legal grounds of the administration's strategy.
Future Military Action Uncertain
While Rubio did not rule out future military action, he emphasized that it was not currently anticipated. "Military action is not good for recovery and transition," he acknowledged, suggesting that diplomatic and economic measures would be prioritized. Despite this, Rubio warned that the US remains prepared to use force if necessary to protect its interests.
Legal and Political Challenges Ahead
The intervention has sparked legal challenges, including a wrongful-death lawsuit related to a US strike on suspected drug boats. Politically, the move has divided Congress, with Democrats criticizing the executive overreach and Republicans largely supporting the administration's actions. As Venezuela remains under interim leadership, the US faces ongoing scrutiny over its foreign policy decisions.
What this might mean
The US intervention in Venezuela could lead to significant geopolitical and legal ramifications. Should the situation in Venezuela stabilize under interim leadership, the US may claim success in its strategy. However, continued legal challenges and international criticism could undermine this narrative. Experts suggest that the US must tread carefully to avoid further escalation and ensure that its actions align with international law and democratic principles. The outcome of Maduro's trial and the management of Venezuelan oil assets will be pivotal in shaping the future of US-Venezuela relations.
