The accusation follows a report that the U.S. president Donald Trump ended back-channel talks, as Caracas denounces a growing military threat under the pretext of a counter-narcotics operation.
Following the suspension of diplomatic ties with Venezuela and a U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean, Democrats accused President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio of advocating for war and regime change in the South American nation.
Related: Trump’s Special Envoy Calls for Diplomacy with Venezuela Amid Washington Military Pressure in the Caribbean
Democrats Warn Against Illegal War of Trump
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives issued a sharp warning, stating on its official X account that “Trump and Rubio are pushing for regime change in Venezuela. The American people do not want another war, and Congress cannot allow any president to start one illegally or unilaterally. That’s not how the Constitution works.”
The committee’s statement responded to The New York Times’ exclusive report that Trump ordered the cancellation of diplomatic back-channels with President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
These contacts, previously managed by special envoy Richard Grenell, were considered a crucial avenue for de-escalation between the two countries.
Caracas Denounces U.S. Threat
The Venezuelan government has repeatedly condemned the large-scale U.S. military operation in the Caribbean, initiated in late August.
Caracas views the deployment not as a legitimate counter-narcotics effort but as a direct threat and a potential prelude to a military attack against its sovereignty.
The Trump administration further intensified its pressure campaign by accusing President Maduro of leading the “Cartel of the Suns” drug trafficking organization.
It has offered a $15 million reward for his capture, an accusation that the Venezuelan government has categorically denied, framing it as part of a broader strategy of aggression and destabilizaton.
The military operation has already led to violent encounters. In recent weeks, U.S. forces have destroyed several alleged drug boats in international waters, causing the deaths of approximately 20 people.
President Trump has justified these actions by declaring that the U.S. is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
