Senate clash: Shaheen questions Venezuela outcomes as Risch backs Trump’s actions

WASHINGTON, DC: A Senate committee hearing on US foreign policy exposed sharp divisions between Democrats and Republicans over the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and its broader approach to global alliances. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire questioned whether recent US operations had advanced American interests, while Republican Senator Jim Risch of Idaho defended the administration’s actions as lawful and strategically limited. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared before the panel to outline the administration’s priorities and respond to lawmakers’ concerns.  

Shaheen questions outcomes of Trump administration’s actions

Shaheen, the top Democrat on the committee, pressed Rubio on whether the US raid targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro achieved its stated goals, given the financial and military costs involved. She noted that while Maduro was removed from power, much of Venezuela’s leadership structure remains unchanged. “Maduro’s vice president now the interim president has taken no steps to diminish Iran, China or Russia’s considerable influence in Venezuela  one of the reasons that has been given for the mission,” Shaheen said. “Her cooperation appears tactical and temporary, not a real shift in Venezuela’s alignment. In the process we’ve traded one dictator for another.”

Shaheen accused the Trump administration of “losing sight of what actually advances America’s interests and delivers results for the American people,” arguing that US actions have allowed China to expand its global influence. She also blamed the president’s tariff policies for straining relationships with traditional allies and driving them closer to Beijing. “It is unilateral disarmament,” she said.

Referencing a recent congressional delegation trip to Denmark, Shaheen raised concerns about the diplomatic fallout from President Trump’s public threats to take over Greenland. She said such rhetoric “has shaken public confidence in the United States to the core.” She added, “at a moment when Russia is waging the largest land war in Europe since World War II, we should be strengthening allied unities and instead, we are undermining it, from Venezuela to Europe, the United States is spending more, risking more and achieving less.”

Risch defends ‘limited’ operation, NATO stance debated

Senator Jim Risch, the committee’s Republican chairman, defended the Venezuela operation, describing it as a narrowly tailored use of presidential authority consistent with past military actions ordered without explicit congressional authorization. “The actions in Venezuela were limited in scope, short in duration, and done to protect US interests and citizens,” Risch said. “What President Trump has done in Venezuela is the definition of the president’s Article II constitutional authorities as commander in chief.”

Risch said the hearing provided an opportunity for Rubio to explain the administration’s plans for Venezuela, particularly to Americans concerned about prolonged military engagements. “I know this administration is laser-focused on avoiding these experiences,” he said.

“With Nicolas Maduro out of power, the United States has the opportunity to better protect America by bringing stability to Venezuela,” Risch added. He said future elections in the country may require international involvement. “To get there, Venezuela may require US and international oversight to ensure these elections are indeed free and fair, unlike their most recent elections.”