1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge immediate congressional oversight following the Trump administration’s military operation in Venezuela and the president’s recent public statements about taking control of foreign territory. This weekend, U.S. forces carried out a major operation inside Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They were taken to the United States for legal proceedings. The operation involved strikes and significant aircraft activity around Caracas and caused widespread power disruptions. Congress did not authorize this use of force. Soon after the operation, President Trump stated that the United States is going to run Venezuela during a transition and referenced the country’s oil resources. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, which are key supply lines for China, Russia, and Iran. Any perception that the United States intends to control those resources or govern Venezuelan territory carries serious global and regional consequences. These developments come alongside the president repeating earlier statements about acquiring Greenland and making similar remarks about Colombia. When combined with an active military operation, these comments raise real concerns about unauthorized foreign intervention and the legal basis for U.S. actions. Because U.S. forces have already acted inside Venezuela, the risk of retaliation or rapid escalation is immediate. The region contains armed groups, critical energy sites, and foreign state interests. Any response from Venezuelan forces or their partners could endanger U.S. personnel across the Caribbean and South America. Congress is responsible for authorizing military action and ensuring that no president initiates or expands hostilities without approval. You must require full classified and public briefings on the legal basis for the operation, the objectives moving forward, and any related plans involving foreign territory. Americans deserve clarity and legality in decisions that put U.S. service members at risk. Congress must act now to prevent further escalation and reassert its constitutional authority over the use of military force.