Top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee seeks answers on Trump’s Venezuela policy

WASHINGTON, DC: The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee on Sunday, December 14, demanded that the Trump administration provide Congress with greater clarity on its escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela, as US military assets and economic sanctions continued to mount in the region.

Sen Mark Warner of Virginia said during an appearance on ABC News’ 'This Week' that lawmakers have not been adequately briefed on President Donald Trump’s long-term objectives toward Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, even as the administration increased its military and economic posture.

Mark Warner questions endgame on Venezuela

Warner said that the administration has yet to clearly explain whether its actions are intended to force regime change or simply intensify pressure on Maduro.

"What is President Trump’s theory of the case?" Warner asked during the interview with co anchor Martha Raddatz. "Is it regime change? We have got an amassed force almost unprecedented in the region."

Warner said that if the administration’s goal involves further escalation, the president should make his case publicly.

"I do not know what this president’s goal vis a vis Venezuela is," Warner stated again. He also added that the history of US intervention in Latin America should prompt caution.

Republican agrees Congress needs briefing

Rep Mike Turner of Ohio, a Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, also criticized the lack of detailed communication with Congress, though he said he supported the administration’s focus on Venezuela.

"The president has not been clear, and he has not certainly been communicating with Congress," Turner stated, adding that the administration has been escalating both rhetoric and military presence in the region.

Turner suggested that the limited disclosure may be intentional.

"I think the administration is being slow to tell Congress because they do not want to show their hands as they are increasing this pressure," he guessed.

Oil tanker seizure heightens pressure

The debate follows last week’s seizure of a US sanctioned oil tanker accused of transporting Venezuelan crude. The vessel, known as 'The Skipper', is now en route to Texas after a court approved action by US authorities.

Maduro condemned the seizure as an act of "criminal piracy," while the Trump administration framed it as part of its enforcement of sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil trade.

The administration also announced new sanctions on six additional vessels involved in shipping Venezuelan crude, signaling that further seizures could follow.

Mike Turner defends legal process

Turner defended the tanker seizure, arguing that it was carried out through lawful means and sent a broader message beyond Venezuela.

"It certainly puts additional pressure upon Venezuela, upon Maduro," Turner said. "This sends shock waves around the world to all of these groups that are using these illegal systems to move money and move oil."

He described the move as an important signal that enforcement efforts are intensifying.

Military presence expands in region

The seizure comes as the United States significantly expands its military footprint near Venezuela. Satellite imagery has shown the USS Gerald R Ford operating roughly 215 miles from Venezuela’s coast, closer than previously observed.

Approximately 15,000 US troops are also positioned across Latin America as part of regional operations, according to US officials.

In recent weeks, the US has conducted at least 22 lethal strikes on suspected d**g t*****cking boats, primarily in the Caribbean Sea.

Trump signals possible expansion of strikes

President Trump last week suggested that the campaign could widen further.

"Now we are starting by land, and by land is a lot easier, and that is going to start happening," Trump said. 

"It is not only land strikes on Venezuela. It is land strikes on horrible people that are bringing in d**gs and killing our people," he added.

The administration has repeatedly labeled Maduro an illegitimate leader, arguing that Venezuela’s 2024 election results were fraudulent. 

Maduro has denied those claims and insists he was lawfully elected.

Mark Warner warns against boots on ground

While Warner said he believes many Venezuelans want Maduro removed from power, he expressed concern about what could follow.

"I do fear that boots on the ground in Venezuela could be a disaster," Warner said, adding that massed US forces raise serious questions about long-term commitments.