Fears over US expansionism as questions mount over next step in Venezuela

WorldPolitics
6 Jan 2026 • 2:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, briefed congressional leaders on a military operation in Venezuela, sparking concerns about US expansionism.
  • Republicans largely supported the action against Nicolas Maduro, while Democrats raised significant questions regarding its cost and the lack of clarity on Venezuela's interim leadership.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that no US troops are expected on the ground, characterising the action as a demand for behavioural change to combat narcoterrorism, not regime change.
  • The two-hour briefing followed a surprise military action that many congressional leaders were unaware of until it was already underway.
  • Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticised the approach as dangerous, noting the briefing raised more questions than it answered, with a war powers resolution now heading for a Senate vote.

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