Dear Members and Friends of the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida,
I am writing to provide important information and context regarding reports of yesterday’s U.S. military actions involving Venezuela, and to clearly state our concerns as Democratic veterans committed to the Constitution of the United States. The President of the United States unilaterally ordered and the “US Department of War” conducted a direct military operation inside Venezuela that resulted in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation reportedly involved a surprise incursion into Caracas, overnight explosions, and the transport of Maduro to the United States to face federal charges. President Trump has since stated publicly that the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela during a transition period and that U.S. officials would oversee the country, including access to its oil resources. He apparently sees it as his choice who will be running the country in his future. His primary concern does not appear to be democracy but control and profit. Y
These actions represent one of the most aggressive U.S. regime-change operations in decades and have already triggered international concern, including an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council at the request of other nations.
While opinions may differ on Nicolás Maduro and his record, the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida is deeply concerned about the process by which these military actions appear to have taken place.
At this time, there has been public confirmation that:
- Congress never authorized this action through a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF);
- The Senate and House were not informed prior to the operation, and the top Republican and Democratic leaders, the “Gang of Eight,” were only informed after the action was underway.
- Though President Trump himself called this action “war,” the requirements of the War Powers Resolution were not properly met.
As veterans, we swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution—not any one individual or administration. That oath includes upholding the constitutional requirement that Congress, not the executive branch alone, authorizes acts of war.
The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida does not support unauthorized military actions that bypass Congress and the Senate. History has shown us—time and again—that when constitutional guardrails are ignored, service members and their families bear the consequences.
Call to Action
We are encouraging all members to take the following steps:
- Contact your U.S. Senators and Members of Congress immediately. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and leave messages for both senators and your Congressional representative.
Ask for clear answers:- Under what legal authority are U.S. forces operating?
- What is the mission scope, oversight structure, and exit strategy?
- What will they, as our representatives, do to control the autocratic actions of this president in the future?
- Demand constitutional accountability and transparency
Military actions must be lawful, authorized, and subject to congressional oversight. - Stand up for service members
Our troops should never be placed in harm’s way under legally questionable or undefined missions. When President Trump flippantly said “A couple of guys were hit, but they came back and they’re supposed to be in pretty good shape” he illustrated a serious lack of concern for our military and their families.
This is not a partisan issue—it is a constitutional one. Democratic veterans believe in diplomacy first, lawful use of force when absolutely necessary, and respect for both U.S. and international law. In statements before and since this attack, it has become clear that this may not be the last similar action. There have been threats made against Cuba and even Mexico. He calls his policy of US control of the Western Hemisphere the “Donroe Doctrine.”
We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed. Thank you for remaining engaged, informed, and committed to the values we defended in uniform.
In solidarity and service,
Danny Fuqua
President, Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
SFC, US Army (ret.), MBA
386.566.8914