WaPo stuns with praise for Trump’s Venezuela strike as NYT blasts move
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The Washington Post editorial board praises President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela as an “indisputable tactical success” in an editorial Saturday.
“President Donald Trump’s arrest warrant [Maduro] “Saturday’s operation was one of the boldest moves a president has made in years, and the operation was an unquestionable tactical success,” the board wrote.
The editorial was titled “Justice in Venezuela.”
The article continued: “The next step is to ensure that this victory prepares Venezuela for stability rather than chaos.”
The editorial board said this success proves that America’s military and intelligence capabilities are “unmatched,” adding: “This is a major victory for American interests…
USA’S CAPTURE OF MADURO WAS PUNISHED ON WORLD STAGES AFTER THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND SURGICAL VENEZUELA ATTACKS
Venezuelans are celebrating after US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, January 3 that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in Santiago, Chile and sent out of the country. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
“Maduro’s removal also sends an important message to tinpot dictators in Latin America and around the world: Trump is moving on,” the board said. “President Joe Biden offered to ease sanctions on Venezuela, and Maduro responded to this show of weakness by stealing the election.”
The newspaper made the following assessment: “Trump offered Maduro several exits. He could retire and live a luxurious lifestyle in Moscow or Minsk. Instead he will probably die in prison. This is the miscalculation of all times.”
The editorial board discussed potential consequences that could arise from a leadership vacuum and legal issues related to actions taken by the president without requiring congressional approval.
“There are also legitimate legal questions about the operation, but Maduro has been deemed guilty by both Trump and Biden and has increased the reward for information leading to his arrest to $25 million,” the board wrote.
“Sen. Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio called him on Saturday and told him that Trump has the right to act as commander in chief. There is no doubt that this debate will continue, and it would be good for democratic hygiene to scrutinize the decision.”
Against this, New York Times editorial board He criticized the operation as “illegal and unwise” in an article on Saturday.
FROM BUS DRIVER TO DICTATOR: THE RISE AND FALL OF NICOLAS MADURO IN VENEZUELA
Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and planes scanned the area on Saturday, January 3. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
“Mr. Trump has yet to provide a coherent explanation for his actions in Venezuela. He is pushing our country towards an international crisis without valid reasons,” the broadcaster wrote.
“If Mr. Trump wants to argue otherwise, the Constitution clearly states what he must do: go to Congress. Without congressional approval, his actions violate U.S. law.”
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
US military forces launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, early Saturday, during which special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
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Maduro has a 2020 indictment pending in the Southern District of New York, where he is expected to be brought for trial.
The move drew support largely from Republican lawmakers but scrutiny from Democrats.
Fox News’ Jonathan Turley contributed to this report.
