Lawmakers demand answers after Trump-led operation in Venezuela

President Donald Trump is facing growing questions from lawmakers in both parties as details emerge about the U.S. operation that led to the removal and arrest of Venezuela’s longtime leader

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is facing growing questions from lawmakers in both parties as details emerge about the U.S. operation that led to the removal and arrest of Venezuela’s longtime leader, Nicolás Maduro.

For weeks, the Trump administration had been escalating pressure on Venezuela. Now, some Democratic lawmakers are accusing the White House of misleading Congress about its ultimate objectives, as bipartisan calls grow for clarity on what comes next.

Maduro is expected to make his first court appearance in New York, where he faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. Speaking Monday, President Trump again asserted that the United States now holds control over Venezuela’s future.

“We’re going to run it, fix it,” Trump said. “We’ll have elections at the right time, but the main thing you have to fix — it’s a broken country.”

New details are also emerging about the scope of the U.S. mission that captured Maduro, his wife, and key adviser Cilia Flores at a compound in Venezuela. According to administration officials, the operation included strikes involving approximately 150 American aircraft, following months of groundwork by a secret team from the Central Intelligence Agency.

President Trump said Venezuela’s interim president — described as a close Maduro ally — is now cooperating with U.S. officials, but warned that cooperation must continue.

“If they don’t behave, we will do a second strike,” Trump said.

The president also said American oil companies would play a central role in rebuilding Venezuela’s infrastructure and taking control of its vast oil resources.

“They’re going to take the oil out of the ground, and we’re taking back what they stole,” Trump said. “Remember, they stole our property.”

On Capitol Hill, the operation has deepened divisions. Democrats argue the administration should have sought congressional authorization before launching strikes.

“Only Congress has the power to declare war,” said Hakeem Jeffries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back, saying the action did not require congressional approval.

“This was not an action that required congressional authorization,” Rubio said. “In fact, it couldn’t require congressional approval because this was not an invasion.”

Republicans, meanwhile, largely defended the president’s decision.

“Thank you, President Trump, for taking the action to protect American lives and American interests,” said Rep. Carlos Giménez.

As Washington debates the legality and consequences of the operation, many Venezuelans who fled the country’s authoritarian rule say they are hopeful the developments could lead to a better future.

Secretary Rubio also argued the U.S. is at war with drug trafficking organizations — not Venezuela itself — as President Trump suggested neighboring Colombia could be next.

Top congressional leaders are expected to receive a classified briefing later today, according to multiple sources, as lawmakers from both parties continue pressing the administration for more information.