Just days after ordering a bold operation that removed Venezuela’s leader, Donald Trump ran into unexpected resistance at home. A group of Senate Republicans broke with him and moved to rein in his ability to use military force without Congress, a vote that blindsided Washington and rattled the White House.
Five Republican senators joined all Democrats to advance a resolution that would restrict Trump’s ability to use military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. What was expected to be a symbolic protest suddenly became real. The measure now has a clear path to a final vote.
For Trump, the vote was an unexpected political slap. It revealed growing unease among Republicans over just how far he is willing to push abroad and how little he feels the need to explain. Lawmakers from both parties have been demanding answers after Trump boldly claimed the United States now “runs” Venezuela.
Republican Senator Todd Young of Indiana laid out his reasoning clearly: “Today’s Senate vote is about potential future military action, not completed successful operations.” He added, “I am not prepared to commit American troops to that mission.”
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Young was joined by Senators Josh Hawley, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins, an unlikely coalition that signals something deeper than routine dissent.
Trump reacted with the kind of fury only he can summon.
In a Truth Social post, he lashed out, writing, “Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America.”
He went further, naming the senators and declaring they “should never be elected to office again.” He also denounced the War Powers Act as unconstitutional, even though it has been law for decades.
The meltdown only reinforced concerns on Capitol Hill.
Behind the scenes, lawmakers say frustration has been building for weeks. Classified briefings about the Venezuela operation left many unconvinced. The administration’s claim that the action was merely a law enforcement effort did not match the reality of military involvement, oil seizures, and blockades.
The House is expected to take up a similar measure later this month. If it passes, Congress would send a unified resolution directly to Trump’s desk, setting up a direct confrontation over war powers.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
