Trump: US Senate will limit his military powers in Venezuela

The US Senate is voting today on a resolution prohibiting Donald Trump from further military action in Venezuela without Congressional approval. This is a reaction to the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd. Democrats accuse of breaking the law, Republicans are divided.

Trump and the Senate Restriction Vote

Today, January 8, 2026, the U.S. Senate is voting on a resolution that would prohibit President Donald Trump from conducting additional military operations in Venezuela without explicit authorization from Congress.

Key operation events

On January 3, 2026, American forces conducted Operation Absolute Resolve in Caracas, as a result of which Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and brought to the United States, xrust recalls. Trump called this a success in the fight against drug trafficking and said that the United States would temporarily take control of the country.

• Maduro accused of drug trafficking and corruption; he pleads not guilty and will stand trial in New York.
• The administration previously denied plans for regime change, but developments have refuted briefings to Congress.
• Trump has announced plans to secure Venezuelan oil and increase the military budget.

Trump: Legislative Positions and Obstacles

The resolution is being sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (D) and supported in part by Republicans such as Rand Paul. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the administration of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Arguments for and against

1. Supporters: The Constitution and 1973 law require congressional approval for long-term operations; actions in Venezuela are not just an arrest, but an intervention.
2. Opponents (most Republicans, including Marco Rubio): This is an enforcement action under a warrant from the Ministry of Justice, the president has the authority as commander in chief.
3. To take effect, it must pass the House of Representatives and override Trump's veto (2/3 vote required).

Expert comment: Brookings Institution analyst Michael O'Hanlon noted that the operation risks turning into a protracted conflict similar to past interventions and could lead to international isolation of the United States (source: brookings.edu/articles/making-sense-of-the-us-military-operation-in-venezuela).

Trump and the background of the conflict with Venezuela

The conflict has escalated since 2019 due to sanctions against the Maduro regime and the non-recognition of his re-election. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves, which increases geopolitical interest. In 2026, the escalation included attacks on tankers and the capture of the leader.

Additionally: According to Reuters, Trump plans to reform the Venezuelan oil industry under US control. International reactions: Russia and China condemned the actions as a violation of sovereignty. Russian-language media (Kommersant, RIA Novosti) emphasize the lack of a clear plan from the United States and the risks of the “Venezuelan trap.”

Direct links to primary sources:

• reuters.com/world/americas/us-senate-vote-reining-trump-venezuela-2026-01-08/- voting details.
• politico.com/news/2026/01/03/senate-war-powers-maduro-ouster-00709715 — text of the resolution.
• brookings.edu/articles/making-sense-of-the-us-military-operation-in-venezuela — analysis of the consequences.
• kommersant.ru/doc/8338026 — review in Russian.

Important

War Powers Resolution requires notification Congress in 48 hours and limits transactions to 60 days without approval. Previous resolutions were blocked, but Maduro's takeover has changed some Republicans' positions.

Xrust Trump: US Senate will limit his military powers in Venezuela