UPDATE: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has created a stir by hesitating to label the recent U.S. military strikes in Venezuela as illegal. This comes after President Donald Trump announced the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Caracas over the weekend.
During an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” Kelly faced pressure from fellow Democratic lawmakers who have condemned the operation as a potential impeachable offense. Despite this, Kelly refrained from making a definitive statement against the military action, stating, “So what we were talking about in the video is about a service member being given a specific order and having to make a decision about whether this is lawful or not.”
The operation, which involved 150 airplanes, has sparked a significant debate over the legality of using military force against a foreign head of state. Kelly noted that while Maduro is “a bad guy,” the lack of a clear plan following his removal raises constitutional concerns. He stated, “It seems like this president, because he had no plan beyond removing Maduro, has now installed Maduro’s number two person in Delcy Rodriguez.”
The debate intensified as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that Kelly would receive a formal censure letter for his previous remarks that suggested military personnel could refuse illegal orders. Hegseth criticized Kelly’s earlier comments as “reckless and seditious,” asserting that as a retired Navy captain, Kelly remains accountable to military justice.
Kelly’s ambivalence reflects a broader division within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. military involvement in foreign nations. While many progressives have condemned the strikes, Kelly’s nuanced stance may resonate with constituents who prioritize national security and the removal of authoritarian leaders.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the repercussions for Kelly and the potential implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations. The lack of a clear strategy post-Maduro raises urgent questions about the future of Venezuela and the stability of its government.
What’s Next: Watch for further statements from Kelly and other lawmakers as the fallout from the military operation continues. The conversation around military ethics and foreign intervention is expected to dominate discussions in Washington, D.C., in the coming days.
This urgent update highlights the complexities of military engagement and the ongoing political discourse surrounding the U.S. role in global conflicts.
