Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticizes the Trump administration’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, calling the operation “unlawful” and “unwise,” while raising concerns about potential chaos and oil interests.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the Trump administration’s recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, labeling the operation as both “unlawful” and “unwise.” In a detailed post on X, Harris acknowledged Maduro’s reputation as a “brutal” and “illegitimate” leader but argued that the actions taken by President Donald Trump do not enhance the safety, strength, or affordability of America.
“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable,” Harris stated. “That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before.” She expressed concern that interventions framed as efforts for regime change or securing oil resources often devolve into chaos, ultimately costing American families.
Harris’s remarks came shortly after the Trump administration confirmed that Maduro and his wife had been captured and transported out of Venezuela as part of “Operation Absolute Resolve.” The former vice president also accused the administration of being driven by oil interests rather than genuine efforts to combat drug trafficking or promote democracy.
“The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to,” Harris asserted. “This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman.” She criticized Trump for pardoning a convicted drug trafficker and sidelining Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s associates.
Rumored as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race, Harris further accused Trump of jeopardizing U.S. troops and destabilizing the region. “The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home,” she said. “America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”
Maduro and his wife were transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn late Saturday after being processed by the DEA in Manhattan. Earlier in the day, Trump stated that the U.S. government would “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Harris’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding her statements.
According to Fox News Digital, Harris’s comments reflect a growing concern among some political leaders about the implications of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela and its potential impact on American interests.