Trump’s Meeting with House Republicans Follows Confidential Briefing on Venezuela Operation
The political landscape in Washington is heating up as President Trump prepares to meet with House Republicans at the Kennedy Center. This gathering follows a confidential briefing on a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that has sparked partisan debate.
On Monday, key administration officials held a closed-door briefing for congressional leaders, providing the first detailed account of the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This briefing was a chance for top party leaders and key congressional committee members to probe the administration on a mission they learned about post-factum.
Republican leaders emerged from the briefing supporting the president’s decision to act independently of Congress. “We are not at war. We do not have U.S. armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. He further asserted, “The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war — that is true — but it also vests the president of the United States with vast authorities as commander in chief.”
The session was led by prominent figures from President Trump’s foreign policy team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside other top officials like CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The briefing was attended by the Gang of Eight, which includes leaders from both parties in the House and Senate and top members from intelligence, foreign affairs, and armed services committees.
Trump’s meeting at the Kennedy Center aims to prepare his party for the upcoming midterm elections, where control of the House hangs in the balance. Historically, these gatherings have served as a platform for Trump to discuss broader issues and unify the party.
A subsequent briefing for all congressional members is slated for Wednesday, with expectations that more information will be shared regarding the U.S.’s future actions in Venezuela.
A Partisan Divide Over Trump’s Actions in Venezuela
The operation in Venezuela has deepened political divides, with Speaker Johnson clarifying that it was not a “regime change,” but instead a “demand for change in behavior by a regime.” Although Trump mentioned that the U.S. would manage Venezuela until a “proper transition can take place,” Johnson assured that there would be no U.S. troops deployed on the ground.
Despite Republican support, Democrats have voiced concerns over the expansion of executive power under Trump, fearing it could lead to conflicts similar to those he had previously campaigned to avoid. “It seems at every turn, Donald Trump is trying to figure out how he avoids Congress,” remarked Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., highlighting a long-standing concern about Congress relinquishing its constitutional authority.
Johnson defended the administration’s actions, asserting that congressional powers had not been compromised. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing, stating, “Their plan for the U.S. running Venezuela is vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying.”
As the situation unfolds, more briefings are anticipated to address the evolving dynamics in Venezuela and the U.S.’s role in the region.
Copyright 2026 NPR
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