Former United States Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticized President Donald Trump following the capture and repatriation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the US on drug trafficking charges.
In a statement shared on X, Harris described Trump’s actions as both unlawful and strategically dangerous.
“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable,” Harris said, emphasizing that while Maduro is a “brutal, illegitimate dictator,” this operation reflects a reckless pursuit of regime change.
She drew parallels to past US interventions, warning that wars framed as efforts to promote democracy or secure resources often leave chaos in their wake, with ordinary families bearing the cost.
Harris accused Trump of prioritizing personal ambition over national interest.
“This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman,” she said, criticizing the president for pardoning a convicted drug trafficker and undermining Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while negotiating with Maduro’s allies.
The former vice president also highlighted the risks posed to American troops and the broader region.
She noted that the operation involved “spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home.”
Harris concluded by urging a shift in US leadership priorities.
She called for policies that focus on lowering costs for working families, upholding the rule of law, strengthening international alliances, and ensuring the safety and welfare of American citizens.
Political analysts suggest Harris’ comments signal a broader Democratic critique of Trump’s foreign policy style, framing it as impulsive and self-serving rather than strategically sound.
The statement is expected to intensify debates in Washington over the legality and wisdom of the Maduro operation, and its potential implications for US-Latin America relations.