Republican Says US At War?
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is warning that the United States may already be engaged in a serious and ongoing confrontation with Venezuela, even if it has not been formally declared a war.
During a Sunday appearance on Meet the Press, Paul said recent U.S. actions — particularly involving Venezuelan oil — cross a dangerous line.
According to Paul, the situation deserves immediate attention from Congress and the American people.
“That Is an Act of War,” Paul Says
Paul argued that continued U.S. involvement in Venezuelan oil operations amounts to far more than routine sanctions.
“That is an act of war,” Paul said, adding that ongoing seizures and redistribution of oil signal an active conflict, not a hypothetical one.
He stressed that while he hopes the situation resolves peacefully, the reality on the ground suggests the United States is already deeply involved.
Naval Presence and Blockade Raise Concerns
The Kentucky senator also pointed to the large U.S. naval presence off Venezuela’s coast, describing what he says is an effective full blockade.
According to Paul, hundreds of ships are enforcing restrictions that go well beyond economic pressure.
He warned that actions like these traditionally fall under Congress’s authority, not unilateral executive control.
Trump Administration Seizes Venezuelan Oil
Tensions escalated further after the Trump administration seized a Venezuelan oil tanker roughly two weeks ago.
Officials said Venezuela would be required to turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States.
The move followed the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores — a development that dramatically reshaped the region’s political landscape.
Trump Says Oil Revenue Will Benefit Both Nations
President Donald Trump stated that the confiscated oil would be sold at prevailing market prices.
He stated that the proceeds would be controlled by the U.S. government and used in ways that benefit both the Venezuelan people and the United States.
In comments to The New York Times, Trump also suggested the U.S. role in Venezuela could last far longer than just a few months.
Lawmakers Divided Over War Powers
The growing involvement has triggered renewed debate in Washington over war powers and constitutional authority.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers attempted to pass a War Powers resolution that would limit the president’s ability to use military force in or against Venezuela.
That effort ultimately failed after two Senate Republicans voted against blocking further action.
Paul Warns Against Waiting Too Long
Paul criticized the idea that Congress should wait until casualties occur before acting.
He argued that Congress is supposed to declare or authorize war before escalation, not react after the fact.
“If you wait until after an invasion,” Paul said, “you’ve already lost your constitutional role.”
Public Unease Over Long-Term Involvement
Polling suggests many Americans remain uneasy about the U.S. “running” Venezuela for an extended period.
While views vary, concerns center on long-term foreign entanglements, financial costs, and the risk of another prolonged overseas conflict.
As the situation develops, lawmakers face increasing pressure to clarify America’s role — and whether current actions amount to something far more serious than sanctions.
