UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) hesitated to label the recent U.S. military strikes in Venezuela as “illegal” during a live appearance on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” This comes after President Donald Trump announced a successful operation over the weekend that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
As tensions escalate, several progressive Democrats have condemned the military action, raising questions about its legality and potential implications for impeachment. However, Kelly’s reluctance to fully support these claims highlights a divide within the party on this critical issue.
During the interview, Kelly pointed out the complexities surrounding military orders and law enforcement actions against a head of state. “Maduro is a bad guy, and it’s good that he’s gone,” Kelly stated. Yet he criticized Trump’s lack of a post-capture plan, suggesting that replacing Maduro with his second-in-command, Delcy Rodriguez, was not a viable solution.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has since announced that Kelly will receive a formal censure letter for his remarks, which he described as “reckless.” Hegseth stated that Kelly’s video urging service members to refuse illegal orders undermined military discipline. He emphasized that, as a retired Navy captain, Kelly remains accountable to military justice.
DEVELOPING: The fallout from this operation is far from over. Kelly, one of six lawmakers featured in a viral video urging military personnel to reject illegal orders, has faced intense scrutiny. The Pentagon is now reviewing his retirement rank and pay, with recommendations expected within 45 days.
This urgent situation raises critical questions about U.S. military engagement and the future of governance in Venezuela. As the world watches, the implications of these actions could resonate beyond the region, affecting U.S. foreign policy and military strategy.
WHAT TO WATCH: As discussions intensify, political analysts will be closely monitoring responses from both the Democratic Party and the military community regarding the legality of the strikes and the subsequent political ramifications. The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with potential for further developments.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
