Despite external criticism that U.S. President Trump’s operations near Venezuelan waters have exceeded constitutional authority, Trump stated on the 18th that he believes if he launches an attack on Venezuelan territory, there is no need to obtain Congressional approval.
Since September, the U.S. military has carried out multiple airstrikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, resulting in at least 99 deaths and sparking intense debate about the legality of such U.S. actions.
Venezuelan President Maduro accused the U.S. of aiming to overthrow his regime with its actions, rather than merely cracking down on drug smuggling as claimed.
Only Congress Has the Power to Formally Declare War
According to the U.S. Constitution, the President is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, but only Congress has the authority to formally declare war. This point has not only been emphasized by rival Democrats, but also questioned by members of Trump's own party—even though the majority of Republicans have voiced support for Trump.
Experts say that Trump can launch a limited military strike against Venezuela without Congressional consent, but only for defensive or narrowly limited operations.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress authorized the use of force in Afghanistan and Iraq, and this has since served as the legal basis for subsequent U.S. counter-terrorism operations in other countries.
The Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting
In addition, on the 18th, Miklič, spokesperson for the Slovenian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month, confirmed to Xinhua News Agency that, at the request of Venezuela’s Permanent Mission, the UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on the 23rd to discuss the situation in Venezuela.