I wonder how many democrats in congress and going to be complain that Venezuela’s dictator is in US custody? 80/20 issue?

[DexWest]

[lightbulb27]

how one thinks about this results in how much action one takes, I suppose. but maybe not.

Left/democrats are quite passive, see that in Carneys and most others approach..."long...". In other words, they will wait it out, while he's effectively held the country hostage and apparently, committed many crimes of which they are aware. It reflected terribly onto USA and somewhat to Canada. I suspect if Macron, Carney or others wife was kidnapped, they'd take stronger stance, but I suspect they'd wait it out even if it was Hezbollah and they were chopping their heads off. They'd be patient and negotiate. If Trumps wife was kidnapped... or JD or hegseth... they'd send in the military and blow the crap out of everyone and threaten everyone.

Now Jimmy Carter, after like a year, took strong action. he's an exception. So is maybe JFK for going into Vietnam. Carter sent in copters to get the hostages out. It was a long shot and it failed and a bunch were killed. Regan got them out immediately, as we know.

So now you got passive democrats whom would rather be passive than aggressively deal with the issue which mushroomed into a mess. Trump, as others have said, took action and he's frankly the only one whom did where others talked talked talked. It's nice to get all the ducks lined up, like the gulf war, but that's not always possible. He's only got a few months before he risks losing power.

They will most all take the passive approach and complain because of the side effects and political alignment. They fundamentally think differently.

Remember Clinton took a shot at Bin Laden.. missed. Not all democrats are passive, and they will support actions, generally if their side decides it. They are more like a cohesive borg from star trek. Republicans are not.

[Chazmatazz269]

Does it matter? Modern democrats have lost all credibility. There’s no act so magnanimous that they can’t ignore it when Drumpf does it. There’s no perceived offense so small that they can ignore it, even when they completely ignored their own idols and cult leaders doing the exact same things many times before. The modern democrat party is a complete sh*t show.

[purplepoppy]

Most people on the left would agree he's a bad person but that doesn't give America the right to invade another country.

Now Trump has done this America has no right to say China shouldn't take Taiwan or Russia shouldn't invade Canada.

Whether you support Venezuela or not is irrelevant, Trump has made the USA an outcast in the worlds eyes which is going to have a huge impact in trade and future cooperations. Dealing with the USA now is a kin to dealing with Putin.

[DexWest]

Well all you have to do is look on X and this statement falls apart.

Chancellor Merz (Germany)

Nicolás Maduro has led his country into ruin. The most recent election was rigged. Like many other countries, we have therefore not recognized his presidency. Maduro has played a problematic role in the region. The legal assessment of the U. S. intervention is complex and requires careful consideration. International law remains the guiding framework. At this stage, political instability in Venezuela must be avoided. The objective is an orderly transition to an elected government.

Mark Carney (Canada)

One of the first measures taken by the new Canadian government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on the brutally oppressive and criminal regime of Nicolás Maduro, unequivocally condemning its serious violations of international peace and security, its flagrant and systematic human rights abuses, and its corruption. Canada has not recognized Maduro's illegitimate regime since the 2018 electoral fraud. The Canadian government welcomes the opportunity now available to the Venezuelan people to access freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity.

Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated transition process led by Venezuela, respecting the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. True to its longstanding commitment to the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We support the sovereign right of the Venezuelan people to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society.

Canada places great importance on resolving crises through multilateral engagement and remains in close contact with its international partners regarding ongoing developments. We are above all ready to assist Canadians through our consular agents and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and we will continue to support Venezuelan refugees.

[DexWest]

Ulf Kristersson (Sweden)

Under Maduro's regime, Venezuela has been one of the world's most ruthless socialist dictatorships.

Sweden has long pointed out that Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy—not least after the election fraud in 2024.

Within the EU, we have imposed sanctions against Venezuela, and the Swedish government has expanded support for independent media in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan people have now been freed from Maduro's dictatorship.

But all states also have a responsibility to respect and act in accordance with international law. It is, moreover, a long-term security policy interest for Sweden.

Now, a swift and peaceful transition to democratic governance in Venezuela is needed.

The government is following the situation in Venezuela, also for the Swedes who are on location. Sweden's and Swedes' security is always the government's top priority.

[DexWest]

Emmanuel Macron (France)

The Venezuelan people are today liberated from the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro and cannot but celebrate it.

By seizing power and trampling on fundamental freedoms, Nicolás Maduro has committed a grave affront against the dignity of his own people.

The transition that is now opening must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo González Urrutia, elected in 2024, can ensure this transition as soon as possible.

At this moment, I am holding conversations with our regional partners.

France is fully mobilized and vigilant, particularly to guarantee the safety of its citizens in these hours of uncertainty.

[DexWest]

Edgars Rinkēvičs (Latvia)

Maduro’s illegitimate regime, rooted in corruption, drug trafficking and organized crime, has long oppressed the Venezuelan people. A peaceful transition toward legitimate governance, reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people and consistent with international law, is essential

[DexWest]

Donald Tusk (Poland)

Deep self-irony is so typical for the Russian sense of humour.

www.themoscowtimes.com/.../russia-demands-release-of-maduro-after-us-military-strikes-venezuela-a91602

[boundless]

How could Democrats not defend something like running over protesters with armored vehicles. The Democrats hate free speech and elections.

https://x.com/shawn_farash/status/2007630166542233656

[boundless]

It's hilarious how all the Muppets voice their protest when their own governments are enemies with Nicolás Maduro...

EU Sanctions

In 2017 the EU adopted sanctions in response to the “deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and human rights” in Venezuela. These are still in place; an arms embargo, travel restrictions and an asset freeze on those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and those whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy or the rule of law in Venezuela by Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074.

[boundless]

UK Sanctions

UK sanctions are in the Venezuela (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 – an arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans.

[boundless]

US Sanctions

The US first imposed Venezuela sanctions in 2005/2006 in response to Venezuela’s alleged lack of cooperation on US anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts.

Since 2005, pursuant to procedures in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act FY 2003, the President has made an annual determination that Venezuela has failed to adhere to its obligations under international narcotics agreements. And since 2006, the Secretary of State has made an annual determination that Venezuela is not “cooperating fully with United States anti-terrorism efforts” pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act. As a result, the US prohibits all US commercial arms sales and retransfers to Venezuela.

In response to increasing repression in Venezuela, President Obama issued E. O. 13692 in 2015, which targets (for asset blocking and visa restrictions) those involved in actions or policies undermining democratic processes or institutions; serious human rights abuses, prohibiting, limiting, or penalizing freedom of expression or peaceful assembly, and public corruption.

In 2017/ 2018, President Trump issued E. O. 13808, which prohibited access to U. S. financial markets by the Venezuelan government, including state energy company Petróleos de Venezuela, S. A (PdVSA), E. O. 13827 which prohibits transactions involving the Venezuelan government’s issuance of digital currency, coin, or token, and E. O. 13835, which prohibits transactions related to purchasing Venezuelan debt and any debt owed to Venezuela pledged as collateral.

[boundless]

In 2018, President Trump issued E. O. 13850, a framework to block the assets of, and prohibit certain transactions with, any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to operate in sectors of the economy or to engage in corrupt transactions with the Maduro government.

In 2019, President Trump issued EO 13884, blocking the property and interests of the Maduro government in the United States and within the control of U. S. persons.

The US has issued various Venezuela general licences, including to allow continued operations with PdVSA in certain circumstances and by certain entities.

[boundless]

www.justice.gov/.../nicol-s-maduro-moros-and-14-current-and-former-venezuelan-officials-charged-narco-terrorism

[boundless]

Any chance the Socialist Democrats are afforded they will use to support the abuse of human rights...

[boundless]

x.com/amitisinvesting/status/2007480332434460806

[boundless]

x.com/LangmanVince/status/2007470498196729957

[boundless]

x.com/emilykschrader/status/2007447555865485422

[Dargil]

Democrats will complain about anything that Republicans and Trump do because they are contrary by ideology. Trump could cure cancer and erectile dysfunction, and Democrats would complain.

[jshm2]

It should be a Trump impeachment for committing such a brazen crime. Kidnap, piracy and rendition, without legal justification.

Trumps dementia is getting worse, he no longer remembers this isn't the 1700's..

[NathanDavis]

I will believe their outrage... as soon as they drop their stock on oil, minerals, energy and weaponry companies...

I'll wait for that too...

[beefcakebradybatson]

SCREW MADURO, but Trump's taking over Venezuela is reminiscent of 19th and early to mid-20th century American meddling in Latin politics.

[msc545]

I'm hoping all of them along with some Republicans as well. This is actually something to complain about and a lot.

[Anonymous]

I wonder how many republicunts will think it's ok to invade other countries just because the president feels like it. You''re how old, 32?

[exitseven]

How many do we have?