ACT URGENTLY: No President Can Seize Another Country

I am writing in alarm over public statements by President Trump asserting that the United States will “run” or control Venezuela until a so-called “safe country” can be established. This language describes a hostile takeover and occupation, not lawful foreign policy. A U.S. president has no constitutional authority to seize control of, govern, or administer another sovereign nation. Any such action would constitute: • an act of war requiring Congressional authorization under Article I, • a violation of the War Powers Resolution, • and a breach of international law, including prohibitions on unilateral occupation and collective punishment. No emergency power, executive order, or law-enforcement rationale allows a president to bypass Congress and claim authority to govern a foreign country. Statements to this effect signal an unconstitutional expansion of executive power and place the United States at risk of catastrophic regional conflict. As a constituent, I am demanding immediate Congressional action: 1. A public repudiation of any claim that the Executive may “run” or occupy Venezuela without Congressional authorization. 2. Immediate briefings to Congress and the public on what actions, if any, have already been taken. 3. Emergency hearings to reassert Congress’s exclusive authority over war, occupation, and foreign military engagement. 4. Clear limits imposed to prevent further unilateral escalation. This is not a partisan issue. It is a constitutional crisis. Congressional silence in the face of these claims is dangerous and unacceptable. I expect you to act now to defend the Constitution, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.