Over the weekend, the U.S. military launched a strike against Venezuela, bombing several of its states and capturing President Nicolas Maduro. Ordered by President Donald Trump, the operation took place after months of escalating tension over narcoterrorism and drug boat strikes.
Predictably, the strike has received mixed reactions from lawmakers. Republicans are overwhelmingly in favor of it, while Democrats are much more skeptical and critical. Georgia Democrats are no exception.
Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA) didn’t hold back with scathing criticism about how this operation is ‘sheer madness’ and nothing more than interventionism.
Trump has invaded a sovereign country and kidnapped its leader. This is sheer madness! I stand with most Americans, who do not support this jingoistic foreign policy. It’s wrong and it leads us closer to war. American interventionism at its worst!
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) January 3, 2026
Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA) issued a brief statement, calling this operation unconstitutional and contrary to Americans’ interests. Williams argued that the main concern is the constitutionality of the operation rather than the risk of an extended intervention.
Trump’s military action against #Venezuela, without Congressional approval, is unconstitutional.
In December, I voted to restrict military action in Venezuela. The American people are looking for lower costs, not endless war.
— Congresswoman Nikema Williams (@RepNikema) January 3, 2026
Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) was quite balanced in her statement, acknowledging the illegitimacy of Maduro’s reign but questioning the legality of the Trump Administration’s actions. She also questioned the honesty of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his recent testimony that the Administration wasn't intent on initiating a regime change.
Nicolás Maduro has no legitimate democratic authority in Venezuela and has illegally taken power over the people there. Yet as we continue to monitor the situation, I have concerns about the constitutionally-required congressional authority to carry out military actions and the…
— Rep. Lucy McBath (@RepLucyMcBath) January 3, 2026
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released a lengthy statement, accusing President Trump of breaking his promises and violating the sovereignty of another country without a valid explanation. He concluded, "The Trump Administration owes the American people answers justifying this attack and explaining how the United States will 'run' Venezuela."
Americans are sick and tired of endless war, regime change, and failed attempts to “run” foreign nations.
I am demanding answers & accountability. pic.twitter.com/CXK8XEIXQ0
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) January 3, 2026
