LAREDO, Texas - There have been mixed reactions from elected officials in Texas to President Trump’s military action in Venezuela.
President Nicolás Maduro Moros and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured and extracted from the country. They are due to appear in a federal Manhattan court on Monday, according to court documents.
Here are some of the comments from Texas elected officials:
“Kudos to President Trump. Maduro was not only an illegitimate President of Venezuela, he was the head of the Cartel de los Soles, a major drug trafficking network involving high-ranking Venezuelan military officers and government officials. He has been indicted in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism conspiracy and other crimes. His association with the Iranian regime and its proxy, Hezbollah, helped fund terrorism in South America and the Middle East, and he was complicit with the ‘ghost fleets’ of Russia, Iran, and China, used to evade US sanctions and fund the Russian war on Ukraine.”
“Trump is escalating his regime-change war in Venezuela.
“Early this morning President Trump escalated an unconstitutional war. Without the approval of, consultation with, or even notice to Congress, the Trump Administration invaded Venezuela and ousted Nicolás Maduro.
“I hope for the best for the Venezuelan people, but I’m concerned this regime change operation risks destabilizing the country further. The President’s motives are also dubious. He declared a few weeks ago that this operation was about oil and land. I fear that he will do what he has done in other parts of the world – use this conflict to enrich himself, his family, and his cronies.
“The President must brief the Congress. We cannot put our troops in harm's way over Trump's reckless pursuit of power, oil and land.”
"Thirty-five years ago, the United States arrested Manuel Noriega, an indicted foreign leader tied to drug trafficking—an episode that underscored the importance of the rule of law even in times of conflict. Today’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, along with highly targeted strikes against narcoterrorist infrastructure, draws that historical parallel and reminds us that American strength lies not only in decisive action, but in restraint, judgment, and adherence to law.
"Today is an important moment for democracy, peace, and the future of children across Latin America and the United States. It offers hope to countless victims of narco-violence and supports our friends in Mexico and throughout the region who seek to live without fear, corruption, or criminal control. This moment also presents an opportunity for honest, moral leadership in Venezuela to begin the difficult work of restoring stability, accountability, and opportunity—outcomes that are in the shared interest of Venezuela, Mexico, Latin America, and the United States.
"I thank the men and women of our military and law enforcement for their courage and professionalism, and I urge that the next steps be guided by de-escalation, protection of innocent lives, regional stability, and respect for constitutional and international norms."
"I strongly oppose Nicolás Maduro’s illegitimate government. But President Trump ordered military force in Venezuela without Congressional approval. That is a serious constitutional violation. Congress holds the sole power to authorize force. That rule protects our troops and our democracy. It must be followed.
"America does not need another costly war. Americans are hurting at home. Health care costs are skyrocketing. Rent and groceries are more expensive every month. Families need real action to lower costs and protect access to medical care.
"We will continue to stand against dictators abroad. But we must also stand for families at home. The Constitution matters. And so does making life more affordable for the people we serve."
“The Venezuelan regime has for decades posed an acute threat to the national security of the United States and the safety and security of Americans, and Nicolás Maduro himself was a corrupt dictator and thug who systematically oppressed the people of Venezuela and threatened America and our allies. Domestically, he was straightforwardly illegitimate. Internationally, he supported American enemies across the globe, Islamist terrorists, and narcoterrorists.
“Maduro facilitated, enabled, and profited from flooding the United States with drugs that injured and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Removing him from power will save countless lives and serve as a warning to all others targeting Americans.
“From the opening months of my time serving in the Senate, I have worked to counter Maduro’s threat to the American people, secure legitimate rule in Venezuela, and restore the country as an American ally within the Western Hemisphere.
“I applaud President Trump for his leadership, and I am deeply grateful to our servicemembers for their execution of this operation. Heidi and I are praying in thanks and for the quick and full recovery of our injured.”
“The world witnessed an extraordinary operation that was executed by our CIA and military. For that, I am grateful. However, any further military intervention by the United States must receive congressional authorization.
“Since 2020, Nicolás Maduro has been under indictment by a Federal Court in the Southern District of New York—and it was important that he be brought to justice. Let this be a clear message of the United States’ commitment to combating narco-terrorism around the globe.”
"Donald Trump just told the world that the U.S. is going to 'run' Venezuela 'for now.'
"Are Republicans who have given the Trump administration their full throated support for the illegal bombing of Venezuela and the use of our military to kidnap Maduro and his wife okay with this, too?
"Maduro is a criminal and an oppressive tyrant. But that is not what this is about.
"Attempts at regime change have historically come at incredible costs to our country, our people, and our reputation abroad. This is one of the reasons why Congress should have been involved.
"The drug trafficking accusation is a ruse. Donald Trump and JD Vance’s own statements acknowledge the real reason behind this illegal attack: their gluttonous pursuit of oil.
"We should not be running Venezuela - especially at a time when the American people are suffering under Trump’s disastrous economic policies. Congressional Republicans must join us to reassert our authority and hold this administration accountable. The question is - will a handful of Republicans join Democrats to ensure that happens?"
“Nicolás Maduro ran a narco-state that flooded our southern border with deadly drugs that killed thousands of Texans and countless Americans. He faced criminal indictments under three administrations of both parties and was given every opportunity to step down peacefully. He chose otherwise. Now he will face justice in American courts. I'm grateful to our troops and pray today's actions bring lasting peace to our hemisphere.”
“Trump’s illegal war for oil in Venezuela emboldens authoritarians everywhere to attack the small and the weak whenever they choose. In a press conference overflowing with more of his outlandish lies, Trump sought support for the very type of foreign intervention he has promised to oppose.
In his inaugural, he said success should be measured “most importantly, by the wars we never get into.” By his own standard, he’s failing— he has become the Bully-in-Chief, preying on the weak while abandoning the principles of peace and human rights that should define American leadership.”
"America’s fighting forces are unmatched and the strongest in the world. Tremendous work by all of the U.S. personnel who conducted a successful mission in Venezuela today."
Editor's Note: The Rio Grande Guardian will bring more reaction from Texas elected officials as it comes in.
