Trump Calls Venezuelan Seizure ‘Brilliant,’ Forgets Congress Exists
Donald Trump recently celebrated what he called the 'brilliant' capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, but conspicuously sidestepped questions about whether he consulted Congress before ordering any related strikes. The Independent reported Trump’s enthusiastic appraisal, noting his tired but triumphant tone. It seems our elected officials deem the War Powers Act a mere suggestion when the
target aligns with long-standing US geopolitical ambitions in Latin America, a region scarred by decades of interventionism from the Contras to coups. This isn't a new playbook. From Chile in '73 to Panama in '89, US presidents have a storied habit of 'forgetting' congressional approval when projecting power. One might wonder, if 'brilliant' means bypassing the legislative branch entirely, how
many other 'brilliant' operations are currently underway without public knowledge or consent? It certainly sets a high bar for future administrations looking to make their own 'brilliant' foreign policy moves.