Arizona's congressional delegation found itself divided after President Donald Trump ordered a military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, subsequently declaring U.S. control of Venezuela's oil industry.
Democratic representatives condemned the action as illegal and reckless, while Republican colleagues defended it as decisive leadership against a dangerous regime.
President Trump ordered U.S. forces to detain Maduro and declared America would run Venezuela "until such time as it can be put back on track." At a recent press conference, he claimed Venezuela had stolen American-built oil infrastructure, stating reasons for the operation shifted from combating drug trafficking to forcing regime change to seizing control of Venezuelan oil.
Venezuela produces roughly 1.1 million barrels per day, but years of mismanagement have hurt its oil industry. Reports indicate production could double or triple with American investment.
U.S. energy stocks jumped following Trump's announcement, and the President confirmed that oil companies would rebuild the infrastructure at their own expense, with reimbursement later.
Party Conflict
Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) questioned Trump's evolving explanations, noting the shift toward "taking Venezuelan oil for the profit of multibillion dollar oil conglomerates." She then questioned, “And now 'we’re in charge' of Venezuela? It doesn’t get more delusional or reckless than this.”
Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) told NBC News the administration had "zero clue what they're doing" and later wrote on social media, "Yep oil…"
However, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) framed it as disrupting "narco-terrorism" and pushing back against Maduro's alignment with Iran, China, and terrorist organizations. He then explained, “Nicolás Maduro and the criminal network he leads have fueled the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, costing countless American lives.”
Representative Rachel Keshel (R-AZ) dismissed criticism, insisting a valid arrest warrant made the operation legal by saying, “Anyone defending this dictator and his regime is absolutely ridiculous… PEACE THROUGH POWER!!!”
Democrats are demanding Congressional investigations and oversight, while Republicans continue backing Trump's approach. The debate centers on a fundamental question: Is this about national security, or is it about oil?
