U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela Captures President Maduro, Sparks Constitutional Debate

On January 3, 2026, the United States executed a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, involving over 150 aircraft, targeted multiple locations, including Caracas, to disable Venezuela's air defense systems.

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela, utilizing its oil resources for international sale, aiming to stabilize the nation and curb drug trafficking.

The operation has ignited a constitutional debate regarding the roles of Congress and the President in authorizing military actions. Political scientist Sarah Burns noted that Congress has been "incredibly supine" in asserting its authority over military engagements. She emphasized Congress's legal and constitutional responsibility to act as a check on presidential power, referencing James Madison's principle that "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition."

Burns highlighted the War Powers Resolution of 1973, intended to restrain presidential unilateralism by requiring congressional authorization for extended military actions. However, she observed that presidents have often circumvented this requirement, engaging in smaller-scale operations without explicit approval. Burns also pointed out that Congress has rarely exercised its power to cut funding for military operations, with the Vietnam War being a notable exception.

The recent events in Venezuela have prompted renewed discussions on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in matters of military intervention. Burns expressed concern that the lack of congressional oversight could lead to further unilateral actions by the President, potentially resulting in unintended consequences for both the United States and the nations involved.