Lawmakers Split After Classified Briefings on Venezuela

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Robert Jimison and Megan MineiroJanuary 7, 2026 at 11:08 PM

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Following classified briefings on January 7, 2026, regarding the military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, a partisan divide emerged among U.S. lawmakers. Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, characterized the mission as a targeted effort to bring a criminal indicted under American law to justice. In contrast, Democrats, such as Representative Veronica Escobar, expressed concerns that the operation was motivated by oil interests and lacked a clear long-term strategy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a three-phase plan for Venezuela involving stabilization, oil sales, and the installation of a new government, leading to further disagreement. While Republicans generally supported the administration's approach, Democrats warned of an open-ended intervention without clear legal authority or a plan for democratic transition.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pete Hegseth 60% Mike Rounds ×260% Chuck Schumer 60% Veronica Escobar 60% Mike Johnson 70% Marco Rubio ×270% United States ×280% Trump administration ×490% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×290% Venezuela ×4100%

Keywords

venezuela 100% trump administration 70% nicolás maduro 70% military operation 70% classified briefing 70% oil 60% partisan divide 60% democratic transition 50% marco rubio 50% foreign intervention 50%