Democrats Demand Answers on Trump’s ‘Brazen,’ ‘Reckless’ Capture of Venezuelan Leader

Key Republicans said they’re being briefed on the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, but Democratic lawmakers said they’ve been left in the dark.

Adam Schiff

Sen. Adam Schiff said the Trump administration’s action “erodes America’s standing on the world stage.” Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images

Democratic lawmakers slammed the Trump administration on Saturday for its capture of President Nicolás Maduro, calling it a major overreach of President Donald Trump’s power to act without Congress.

“Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos,” Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a statement.

He added: “The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision.”