Congressional leaders representing Central Valley react to Maduro’s capture
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lawmakers from Stanislaus County split over Maduro capture and executive war powers.
- Rep. Gray demands congressional authorization; McClintock cites precedent.
- Debate echoes Noriega precedent while critics call for restraint and impeachment.
The response from congressional leaders representing the Central Valley to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3 has varied from optimistic to deeply concerned.
Congress is granted the power to declare war by the U.S. Constitution, yet there hasn’t been any formal action authorizing the Venezuelan invasion and capture of the newly ousted Maduro.
“Nicolás Maduro is a murderous dictator and drug trafficker. I’m glad that he’s been removed from power,” reads a statement provided by Rep. Adam Gray, D-Merced. “However, if we are going to use our military on foreign soil, the Constitution is clear that the President must engage the Legislative Branch.”
Gray, who represents the 13th Congressional District, went on to say that he is awaiting a clear justification from the president for not seeking congressional approval for the operation. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that Congress asserts its constitutional powers.”
McClintock supports Trump in statement
Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, who has often cited the Constitution as his guiding principle, declined to respond to a request for comment, but he did post a statement on his website on Jan. 5.
“The federal courts have consistently upheld this use of military force by Presidents over many years and I believe the President has acted within these legal precedents,” reads McClintock’s statement. “Nevertheless, in calmer times I believe that Congress will need to clarify and re-assert its preeminent constitutional role before military action is initiated.”
Maduro is in federal court in New York and is charged with narco-terrorism, a term used to describe sophisticated drug trafficking operations with the intention of wielding political power and influence through threats of violence, as well as other trafficking and weapons charges.
The United States has captured and tried a foreign leader before: dictator Manuel Noriega in Panama in 1990. The action was taken by President George H. W. Bush Sr. without congressional approval, using statements made by Noriega about Panama being in a state of “war” with the United States as justification for his actions.
Unlike Noriega, who seized power by staging a military coup and installed himself as de-facto leader of Panama, Maduro was narrowly elected president in 2013. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2024, though the U.S. and others have questioned the legitimacy of those elections.
‘Astounding tactical success,’ McClintock says
According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, almost 200 troops were involved in the attack in Caracas that led to Maduro’s extraction.
“It is an astounding tactical success of American armed forces and a testament to the decisiveness and resolve of President Trump and his advisors,” reads McClintock’s statement.
Venezuela has not made statements that it was in a state of war with the United States and no formal declaration of war has been made by Congress, nor was there an authorization for the invasion of Venezuela or removal of Maduro by Congress.
Many Venezuelans who fled the country are in support of the current actions, but will continue to be subject to deportation, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The President has stated that the United States will seize control of Venezuela and its oil until he has determined the country is stable enough to hold elections.
Candidate calls to impeach Trump
Candidate Michael Masuda, who is running against McClintock for the 5th Congressional District, responded by strongly condemning the actions of the president and calling for Trump’s impeachment.
“As a former diplomat, I’ve seen firsthand that American strength comes from restraint, alliances, and the rule of law,” reads a statement emailed to The Bee. “Abandoning those principles doesn’t make us safer.”
Both Rep. Josh Harder and Gray have faced backlash from the conservative party, though until now, they had not made public statements against President Trump’s actions.
Harder did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 8:07 AM with the headline "Congressional leaders representing Central Valley react to Maduro’s capture."
