LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and flew them out of the country in a military operation.
Public officials in Kentucky and Indiana posted their reactions to the operation on social media.
"Few Venezuelans, or Americans for that matter, will or should mourn the removal of Nicholas Maduro from power. For socialism to achieve its goals, ultimately and always, requires state sponsored violence. Despite what American Democrat Socialists say, there really is no kinder, gentler form of government-run socialism.
This is not the first brush with death for Maduro. Nearly a decade ago, drones nearly killed Maduro. The violence of socialism, it seems, creates many enemies. It happened during one of those staged military parades that seem to be a signature performance of authoritarian regimes — goose-stepping soldiers and long-winded speeches."
"America must not start another reckless, unjustified war fought for the interests of oil companies.
While Maduro is a cruel and illegitimate dictator, Trump is not a president who prioritizes democracy or civil rights at home or abroad.
If this is actually about drugs, we cannot ignore the hypocrisy of a president who pardons a drug trafficker like former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez one day, and then bombs another country the next under the same premise. Trump is using our troops for personal gain, for oil companies, and in the interest of billionaire executives, not the interest of the American people.
Only Congress has the ability to declare war. Republican leadership needs to wake up and join us in reigning in this President."
"AG and others legally characterize attack in Venezuela as “arrest with military support.”
Meanwhile Trump announces he’s taken over the country and will run it until he finds someone suitable to replace him.
Added bonus: says American oil companies will get to exploit the oil."
"I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action to protect the American people from narco terrorists seeking to poison and murder the American people—and carrying out that action pursuant to his Commander in Chief powers under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.
For states like Kentucky, this threat is not abstract—narco-terrorism has fueled a deadly flood of drugs that has taken thousands of innocent lives and devastated families across the Commonwealth."
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman
"We must cut off the flow of fentanyl and send a powerful message to the Mexican cartels. @POTUS’ action in Venezuela showed needed strength in this fight. We are grateful to the U.S. Armed Forces and federal law enforcement who continue to protect Kentucky and our nation."
"Maduro is a thug, and the hemisphere would be safer without this lackey of Iran, Russia, and China in power. @POTUS has broad constitutional authority and long historical precedent for the limited use of military force, and I’m grateful to the U.S. personnel who carried out orders in harm’s way. A free, democratic, and stable Venezuela, led by Venezuelans, is in America’s national security interests — I expect the Administration to brief Congress soon on how it intends to secure this outcome."
"Maduro turned Venezuela into a narco-state. A drug cartel posing as a government and killing Americans. Let this be a warning to every narcoterrorist in the Western Hemisphere. President Trump is doing exactly what Americans elected him to do, protect America and keep our people safe."
"I commend the bravery and professionalism of U.S. personnel who carried out a successful mission in Venezuela.
This should be an opportunity to bring Maduro to justice for his many crimes and a day of new hope for the Venezuelan people.
I look forward to hearing more about the Administration’s plans for a positive transition in the days ahead."
"Thank you President Donald Trump for your leadership and God bless our U.S. service members for their courage in Venezuela!"
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