Senate backs limits on Trump military action in Venezuela

Under the Trump administration, Washington has put military pressure on the Caracas government over drug trafficking.

Published: January 8, 2026 12:17pm

The Senate on Thursday voted to require congressional authorization for President Donald Trump to pursue further military action in Venezuela in the wake of the special ops extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The upper chamber approved the measure in a 52-47, with a handful of Republicans breaking ranks to support it, Politico reported. It remains unclear whether the Republican-backed House will approve the bill, though Trump is sure to veto it should it ever reach his desk.

Under the Trump administration, Washington has put military pressure on the Caracas government over drug trafficking, with the Department of War conducting strikes on suspected drug boats operating out of the country and the Navy seizing oil tankers.

Trump has indicated that the U.S. could "run" Venezuela for the foreseeable future and that he expected the current government to pivot toward a U.S.-friendly approach.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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