Texas and national leaders reacted with sharp divisions after a U.S. military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Republican officials, including Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, praised the mission and pointed to Maduro’s alleged narcotics and terrorist ties. Democrats, such as Reps. Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, and Joaquin Castro, denounced the action as unconstitutional and called for a War Powers resolution and immediate Congressional oversight. Governor Gregg Abbott celebrated the capture, citing Maduro’s alleged role in drug trafficking and violence.
U.S. Operation Captures Nicolás Maduro — Texas Leaders Sharply Divided
Texas leaders react to Venezuela airstrikes and Maduro’s capture
Texas and national officials were sharply divided after a U.S. military operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Republicans praised the mission and pointed to Maduro's alleged links to drug trafficking and terrorism, while Democrats warned the operation was unconstitutional and urged immediate Congressional oversight.
Republican Reactions
Sen. John Cornyn (R) issued a statement endorsing the strike and Maduro’s capture. "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," the release said. Cornyn added that Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and accused him of associating with Iran and its proxy groups.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R) also praised the operation, calling Maduro "a corrupt dictator and thug" who posed a long-standing threat to U.S. national security and supported adversaries of the United States.
Democratic Concerns
Several Democratic members of Congress criticized the operation as unconstitutional and reckless. In an interview with KXAN, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) questioned the timing and priorities of the administration: "At a time when so many American families are struggling on healthcare, on the higher prices from Trump’s tariff taxes. What a time for the president to begin another war for oil against a weak country, Venezuela."
Rep. Greg Casar (D) emailed KXAN calling the action "reckless and illegal," and urged Congress to act immediately with a War Powers resolution to halt further military engagement. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D) accused the administration of escalating an unconstitutional conflict without consultation or approval from Congress, and warned of potential ulterior motives tied to natural resources.
Texas Governor's Statement
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott posted on X that "Maduro is an indicted narco terrorist. His drug trafficking operation cost the lives of many Americans." Abbott also cited the release of Tren de Aragua gang members from Venezuelan prisons and blamed Maduro for violence that affected American communities, saying Texas and the world are "better because of his capture."
What's Next
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle signaled continued debate: Republicans framed the capture as a victory against transnational crime and state-sponsored malign activity, while Democrats pressed for legal and constitutional scrutiny, including potential congressional votes on war powers. The situation is likely to prompt hearings and statements from legal and foreign policy experts as Congress weighs oversight and next steps.
Sources: Statements from Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Ted Cruz, Reps. Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, and Gov. Gregg Abbott. Reporting compiled from KXAN and public press releases.
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