Trump Had Authority
Rep. Derrick Van Orden said President Donald Trump acted fully within his constitutional authority during the operation that resulted in Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro being taken into custody, rejecting claims from Democrats that the president acted unlawfully.
Appearing Sunday on Newsmax, the Wisconsin Republican and retired U.S. Navy SEAL said the decision not to brief members of Congress ahead of the operation was both reasonable and necessary to protect American lives.
Van Orden explained that leaks from closed-door congressional briefings have become an ongoing concern, especially during sensitive national security missions.
“There have been instances where classified discussions were effectively made public almost immediately,” he said, noting that such behavior can jeopardize military operations and endanger service members.
According to Van Orden, safeguarding U.S. troops must always outweigh political considerations.
“Our military personnel should never be placed at risk because someone wants attention on social media,” he said. “Protecting lives has to come first.”
Van Orden acknowledged that Congress has an oversight role but stressed that briefings should occur after an operation is complete when operational security is no longer at stake.
“The executive branch absolutely owes Congress a full briefing on what happened, why decisions were made, and what comes next,” he said. “That’s appropriate and necessary.”
He added that he is fully comfortable with the executive branch exercising its constitutional responsibilities, particularly when it comes to national defense and foreign threats.
Democrats have accused President Trump of exceeding his authority, but Van Orden dismissed those arguments, pointing directly to Article II of the Constitution.
“The Constitution is very clear,” he said. “The president of the United States, acting as commander in chief, has the authority to conduct military operations. That authority is well established.”
Van Orden also praised the execution of the mission itself, calling it one of the most impressive special operations efforts he has ever witnessed.
He described the operation as highly complex, requiring months of preparation and seamless coordination across multiple levels of intelligence and military capability.
“This kind of mission demands precision at every stage,” he said. “From advanced intelligence systems to the individual service member on the ground, everything worked together exactly as it should.”
Van Orden concluded by expressing gratitude that the operation was completed without the loss of American lives.
“It was carried out flawlessly,” he said. “And I thank God that everyone involved returned safely.”
