Veterans’ organizations are increasingly vocal about the recent U.S. military actions targeting Venezuela, raising concerns over the constitutionality and potential consequences of these maneuvers.
Former New York Representative Max Rose, acting as a senior advisor to VoteVets, emphasized the constitutional breach on October 31, stating, “Let’s be very clear: this is unconstitutional. If the United States is going to go to war, it requires Congress’ approval.”
The U.S. government has reportedly destroyed 20 fishing vessels in the Caribbean since August, alleging they were involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela. Despite these claims, no evidence has been publicly shared. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 79 people from Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
As tensions escalate, U.S. naval forces, including an aircraft carrier, have positioned themselves around Venezuela, prompting the Venezuelan military to heighten its alert status, preparing for a potential confrontation.
Rose added, “We have to put our foot down, not only in objection to this decision, but to the steps this administration is taking to put us on the road to yet another forever war.”
President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to end foreign conflicts, has faced criticism for his actions, including ordering airstrikes on Iran and struggling to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains unstable, with ongoing diplomatic efforts as reported by Politico.
Efforts by Senate Democrats to halt further U.S. military actions in Venezuela were thwarted on November 6, when a resolution was blocked by Republican senators.
Jose Vasquez, executive director of the veterans’ group Common Defense, criticized the Senate’s decision: “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, a veteran of the Iraq War, echoed these concerns, saying, “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. Let Congress debate. Let us vote. It’s our duty.”
There remains uncertainty about the legality of the U.S. strikes on fishing boats, even with potential congressional approval. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 restricts military involvement in law enforcement, allowing only for drug enforcement monitoring and interception, which raises questions about the current military actions.
According to Oona Hathaway, a professor at Yale Law School, “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,” as reported by CNN.
Politically, the possibility of U.S. invasion into Venezuela faces significant opposition. A YouGov poll reveals that 62% of American voters oppose military action, with 22% undecided. Among independents, 63% disapprove.
Disguising the largest military buildup in decades off Venezuela as a “counternarcotics” mission doesn’t hide the truth,” VoteVets stated on social media. “The Trump administration is manufacturing a new Forever War.”
The post concluded with the hashtag
NoDepartmentOfForeverWar
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