Category: US News

Trump Ties His Failed Nobel Peace Prize Bid to His Greenland Quest

US President Donald Trump told Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that he no longer feels the need to focus on peace. He feels this way because the Norwegian Nobel Committee did not give him the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a surprising text message to Støre, which PBS first reported and an official from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed, Trump linked his threats to take control of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, something he has wanted for a long time.

“Since your country chose not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight wars, I no longer feel obligated to think only about peace. While peace will always be important, I can now consider what is best for the United States,” Trump wrote.

Støre said he received this message after he and Finnish President Alexander Stubb texted Trump. In their message, the Nordic leaders expressed their opposition to Trump’s planned tariff increases against Norway, Finland, and some other countries.

Støre explained to President Trump that the Nobel Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government.

Trump’s message came after he threatened to add a 10 percent tariff on goods from several European countries because they oppose his plan to acquire Greenland. Greenland is part of Denmark and a fellow NATO member. His threats have raised concerns within NATO about a possible conflict between members.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China. Why do they have a ‘right of ownership’? There are no written documents. It’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, and we also had boats landing there,” Trump said in his message.

Greenland’s Brief History

Greenland is a large island in the Arctic. In 1953, it became part of Denmark during global efforts to decolonize after World War II. Greenland has its own government, but Denmark still handles its defense, security, and money.

In a note to Støre, Trump said, “I have done more for NATO than anyone else since it started, and now NATO should do something for the United States. The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”

The United States has been a key part of Euro-Atlantic security for many years and has spent much more on defense than any other NATO member. However, many NATO allies have joined the US in recent wars. After the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, 43 Danish soldiers died while fighting there.

Denmark is a Close Ally to the UK and the US

At a news conference in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Denmark is a close ally of the United Kingdom and the United States. He praised Denmark as a proud NATO member that has stood with us, even at a great human cost.

Trump’s comments came after Nordic leaders Støre and Stubb reached out to him about the extra tariffs he had threatened over Greenland. They wrote, “We believe we should all work to reduce tensions and de-escalate. There is so much happening around us that we need to stand together,” according to an official from Støre’s office.

The Nobel Committee announced that María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, will receive the 2025 Peace Prize. Last week, she gave her medal to Trump during their meeting in Washington. Trump called it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”

However, the Nobel Committee later clarified that while the physical medal can change hands, the honor itself cannot be passed on.

January 19, 2026
Trump has Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

The U.S. government will stop processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21. This change affects people wanting to move to the U.S. permanently. It does not impact visitors or those with short-term visas.

This decision comes five months before the U.S. hosts the FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. It also follows a series of crackdowns on immigrants, refugees, foreign students, and visa applicants, raising concerns about how the U.S. views visitors.

What announcement has been made by the U.S. administration?

The State Department has told U.S. consulates to stop processing immigrant visa applications from certain countries. This decision comes after an order to increase checks on potential immigrants who might financially burden the U.S.

“The Trump administration is ending the misuse of America’s immigration system by those who take advantage of American resources,” the department said.

Processing of immigrant visas from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reviews its procedures to prevent foreign nationals from relying on welfare and public benefits.

How does it work?

According to the State Department, people from the affected countries can still apply for immigrant visas. However, no visas will be approved or issued while the pause is in place. The U.S. government has not said when this suspension might end.

Dual nationals can apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the suspension. This pause does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as temporary, tourist, or business visas.

Other Immigration Restrictions Under the Trump Administration

Recently, the Trump administration has tightened immigration rules for people from countries with weak vetting processes. The State Department has set new limits on migration from these nations.

In January 2025, the White House stated that the U.S. could not accept large numbers of migrants, especially refugees. They said this could strain public resources, create security issues, and make it harder for newcomers to adjust.

In June, the administration imposed a full travel ban on people from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

By October, the White House announced the lowest refugee admissions limit in U.S. history: just 7,500 refugees for the 2026 fiscal year. Most of this cap is for white Afrikaners from South Africa. Trump has spread false claims about a genocide against white South Africans, despite data showing that violence affects people of all races in that country.

At the same time, the Trump administration has cut foreign aid programs that help refugees living abroad.

The administration has also worked to limit skilled immigration. They claim this protects jobs for U.S. citizens. In September, they raised the application fee for H-1B visas, which companies use to hire foreign workers, to $100,000.

After an Afghan national linked to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., the government added more travel restrictions. They expanded the ban to include six more countries: Palestine, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.

Immigration officials have also paused asylum cases and stopped processing citizenship and green card applications for people from the countries affected by the bans.

Is the Trump administration deporting people at record rates?

By early December, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security said it had deported over 605,000 people, while about 1.9 million people had left the country on their own.

As a result, the United States saw more people leaving than entering in 2025. This was the first time in 50 years that net negative immigration happened, according to the Brookings Institution. Their researchers estimated that the net loss of immigrants that year was between 10,000 and 295,000 people.

January 16, 2026
Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

US President Donald Trump has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. He urged protesters in Iran to “take over your institutions” after a government crackdown.

On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media that “help is on the way” but did not elaborate. He has been considering military action against Iran recently.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING-TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA].”

Trump has threatened military strikes against Iran to pressure the country to meet US demands. He suggested that a harsh response from Iranian authorities to the protests could lead to US military action. On Monday, he announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.

Analysts have warned that US strikes could break international law and lead to unexpected problems, especially with the large protests happening in Iran.

Human rights groups outside Iran say hundreds of protesters have died, while state media report that over 100 security personnel have also died.

Trump Announced to Invade Iran

Trump has suggested that the US may intervene in Iran. His national security team will meet today to discuss options.

Thousands of people are feared dead after a strong crackdown on weeks of protests against the government in Iran. Many Iranians are reporting high levels of death and destruction when they manage to call family abroad.

An Iranian security official told Reuters that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, which includes security personnel.

One protester, Erfan Soltani, is set to be executed tomorrow. A human rights group mentioned that they have never seen a case move so quickly.

Although some people in Iran can now make calls outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout makes it hard to confirm information from inside.

Top Iranian Official Attributes Iranian Deaths to Trump

Iran’s security forces have increased their crackdown in recent days. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, reports that at least 1,847 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began on December 28. They warn that the actual death toll could be much higher.

In response to former President Trump’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Larijani, Secretary of the National Security Council and adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, “We announce the names of the main murderers of the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”

This is not the first time Larijani has responded to Trump on social media.

Earlier, on January 2, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”

Larijani replied, “Trump should know that US interference in this internal matter would mean destabilizing the entire region and harming America’s interests.”

January 13, 2026
US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

The United States has labeled Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups. This announcement comes from President Donald Trump’s administration as it increases efforts to target groups that oppose Israel globally.

This decision was made on Tuesday, following an executive order from Trump issued weeks earlier to start the process of blacklisting these groups.

The US Department of the Treasury identified the organizations in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists.” Meanwhile, the State Department classified the Lebanese group as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO).

The Trump administration mentioned that these groups allegedly support Hamas and act against Israeli interests in the Middle East as reasons for the designations.

The US Treasury stated, “Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be legitimate civic organizations, but they openly support terrorist groups like Hamas behind the scenes.”

On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision to label the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as global “terrorists.” They called it a significant step. The ministry explained that the decision shows the risks this group poses and its extremist ideology, which threatens regional and international security.

They also said this move matches Egypt’s long-standing view of the group, which it considers a “terrorist” organization due to its violence and incitement.

These US designations make it illegal to provide support to these groups and impose economic sanctions to disrupt their funding. The FTO label also bans members of these groups from entering the US.

The Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna. It has branches across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups.

The group claims it is committed to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter is called al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, and it has representatives in the Lebanese Parliament.

In Jordan, the group won 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front. However, last year, the Jordanian government banned the group, accusing it of being involved in a sabotage plot.

In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the only democratically held presidential election in 2012. But after President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup in 2013, he died in prison in 2019. Since then, Egypt has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and cracked down on its leaders and members, forcing the group underground and into exile.

Muslim Brotherhood organizations have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya showed support for Hezbollah as part of a solidarity effort for Gaza, which led to a war in September 2024.

After a decree by Trump in November, Lebanese Parliament member Imad al-Hout stated that al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a licensed political organization in Lebanon and has no foreign ties. He said that the assessment of any Lebanese political group should be based on Lebanese laws, not external viewpoints tied to American interests that support Israel and do not reflect the situation in Lebanon.

The Group Rejected Trump’s Order

The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood rejected Trump’s order to blacklist them, noting that previous US administrations did not take this step.

“The facts have not changed. What has changed is the foreign pressure on the United States, especially from the UAE and Israel, to adopt policies that serve outside interests instead of the American people,” the group stated in November.

“These outside interests contradict the ‘America First’ principle that President Trump often mentions and show the negative influence of foreign lobbying groups on U.S. national security decisions.”

Effects in the US

In the US and other Western countries, right-wing activists have tried to harm the reputation of Muslim immigrant communities and critics of Israel by linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Some of Trump’s supporters in Congress have pushed for blacklisting the group for years.

After Trump’s order labeled the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups, the Republican governors of Texas and Florida acted against the leading Muslim civil rights group in the US.

Both states classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist” groups.

CAIR, which denies any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, has filed a lawsuit in response.

January 13, 2026
Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

President Donald Trump is looking at different military options in response to the protests in Iran that have turned deadly. Some U.S. officials told CNN that he is thinking about responding to recent threats to attack the Iranian government if it harms civilians.

Trump has been briefed recently on various plans for intervention as the violence in Iran has led to many deaths and arrests. Some options focus on targeting the security forces in Tehran that are suppressing the protests.

On Sunday, Trump stated that Iran contacted him to negotiate. He said, “The leaders of Iran want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”

Trump is mainly concerned about the violence against protesters. He noted, “Some people seem to be killed who shouldn’t be. These leaders are violent, if you want to call them that. We are taking this very seriously.” He added, “The military is looking at it, and we are considering strong options. We will make a decision.”

However, some officials are worried that military strikes could have negative consequences and hurt the protests. They believe that strikes could rally the Iranian people behind their government or lead Iran to retaliate with military action.

Options to Target the Iranian Regime

Trump is looking at several ways to help protesters in Iran without using military force.

The U.S. is considering cyber operations to target the Iranian military and government. This could disrupt their ability to manage protests. Trump is also thinking about new sanctions on important officials and key parts of Iran’s economy, like energy and banking.

In addition, the administration may provide technology, such as Starlink, to help improve internet access in Iran. This would help protesters get around information blackouts. Trump mentioned he might call Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, after returning to Washington from Florida. President Joe Biden had previously offered similar internet support during protests in 2022.

Different government agencies are working on these options for the president. Formal briefings are planned soon, including one on Tuesday when Trump will meet with senior national security officials to discuss what to do next.

Tehran has warned that if the U.S. takes military action against Iran, it will target U.S. military and commercial bases. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker, said, “If the U.S. attacks Iran or the occupied territories, we will consider U.S. military and shipping centers legitimate targets. We will not just wait and react after an attack.”

When asked how the U.S. would respond if Iran attacked American military bases, Trump said, “We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

The president has not made a final decision about intervention yet, but he is seriously considering options as the death toll in Iran rises. However, the choices under consideration do not include sending ground troops to Iran, according to a senior official at the White House.

Consequences of Anti-regime Protests

Over the past 15 days, at least 10,675 people have been arrested in Iran during anti-government protests. This number includes 169 children, according to Skylar Thompson, the deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).

HRA also reports that at least 490 protesters have been killed during this time. CNN cannot verify these numbers independently.

U.S. President Trump commented on the situation on social media, saying, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

On Friday, Trump told reporters that if the Iranian government uses deadly violence against protesters, the U.S. will “get involved.” He emphasized that this would not necessarily mean sending troops, but that the U.S. would respond strongly.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday about the protests. They also discussed the situations in Syria and Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that they are watching the developments in Iran as the country enters its third week of protests.

January 12, 2026
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado to Meet Trump on Thursday

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, will meet President Donald Trump on Thursday. A senior White House official shared this news with CNN.

Machado’s visit comes after Trump declined to support her following U.S. military strikes in Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the country’s leader. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has now taken over as acting president.

After the operation on January 3, Trump said it would be difficult for Machado to lead Venezuela because she does not have the support or respect of the people.

Despite this, Machado has something Trump desires – a Nobel Prize. She has said she would offer her prize to Trump, who expressed that it would be an “honor” to receive it. However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that the prize cannot be transferred.

When asked on Friday if accepting Machado’s prize would change his view of her role in Venezuela, Trump did not respond directly.

“I need to talk to her. She might be involved in some way. I think it’s great that she wants to come in. That’s what I understand the reason is,” Trump told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during a meeting with oil executives at the White House.

“I can’t think of anyone in history who deserves the Nobel Prize more than me. I don’t want to brag, but nobody else has settled wars,” Trump stated.

On Sunday, Trump said he is open to meeting with Rodriguez “at some point.” He mentioned, “We’re working really well with the leadership, and we’ll see how it all unfolds,” while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.

Trump Canceled Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela

Last week, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was canceling a second wave of attacks on Venezuela. He made this decision because Venezuela cooperated with the U.S. in the release of political prisoners.

In a meeting with oil executives on Friday, he called Venezuela an ally “right now” and said he does not think another attack is needed. Trump has claimed that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, suggesting this could last for years. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said, “Only time will tell.”

However, his plan for a large new drilling campaign, part of his vision to rebuild the country and use its resources, has met with hesitation. After the lengthy White House meeting, Trump and his aides did not secure any major commitments from companies to invest billions. The CEO of ExxonMobil called Venezuela “uninvestible.”

January 12, 2026
US State Department Delegation Visits Venezuela for First Time since Maduro’s Capture

A team from the US State Department visited Venezuela on Friday for the first time since Nicolas Maduro was ousted. This visit is part of the US effort to reopen its embassy in Caracas and signals the administration’s goal to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Venezuela.

US diplomatic and security staff from the Venezuela Affairs Unit, based in Colombia, traveled to the Venezuelan capital. They were with acting US Ambassador to Colombia John McNamara to assess the situation for a gradual return to operations.

In 2019, the US withdrew its diplomats and closed the embassy in Caracas. Since then, the Venezuela Affairs Unit has been working with US diplomats in Bogotá.

A senior State Department official said on Monday that they are preparing to reopen the embassy in Venezuela if the president decides to proceed.

Discussions are ongoing about meetings between US diplomats and Venezuelan political leaders, but these meetings are not likely to happen during this trip, according to a senior US official.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry announced on Friday that it is starting an “exploratory diplomatic process” with the US. This process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and discuss the implications of what they call the “aggression and kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife.

They confirmed that the US delegation came to Venezuela to assess technical and logistical needs, and stated that a group of Venezuelan diplomats would travel to the US to complete necessary tasks.

Will US Oil Companies Reopen Operations in Venezuela?

Former diplomats say that the lack of a US presence in Venezuela will make it difficult to rebuild the country and ensure accountability. Trump wants US oil companies to return to Venezuela to help with rebuilding efforts. He mentioned earlier this week that the US was “asked” to reopen its embassy but did not give more details.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told important lawmakers during a briefing on Monday that the State Department is looking into reopening the US embassy. He said officials need to check the building to see if it is in good enough shape to reopen, according to a source familiar with the briefing. He added that they plan to send people in the coming days.

Another source mentioned that there are discussions about sending a team of experts to inspect the building’s condition. They need to find out what repairs are necessary before reopening the embassy.

The embassy has been closed since the Maduro government cut diplomatic ties with the first Trump administration after it recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó. At the same time, Maduro closed Venezuelan diplomatic offices and withdrew personnel from the US.

One source said that it might take a long time for the embassy to fully reopen. However, a small team could be set up quickly. Some diplomats have already offered to work in Caracas.

A former senior US official mentioned that reopening the embassy “could be very fast.” However, the State Department needs to be sure that the security conditions are safe for US personnel.

“The key issue is whether we have the right security conditions and confidence that our people won’t be injured or kidnapped by the regime. That is the difficult part,” the official told CNN.

January 10, 2026
US Authorities Seized 5th Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela – Officials

US forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea as part of ongoing efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. The tanker, called the Olina, is on several countries’ sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel taken by the US in recent weeks.

The US uses these seizures to pressure Venezuela’s interim government and to remove the “dark fleet” of over 1,000 tankers that carry sanctioned and illegal oil. The US military’s Southern Command stated, “Once again, our forces have sent a clear message: ‘there is no safe haven for criminals.’”

Officials said the operation took place before dawn, with Marines and sailors working alongside the Department of Homeland Security. They seized the tanker after it left Venezuela, trying to avoid US forces.

The Olina reportedly left Venezuelan waters late Sunday after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in an early morning raid.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that this was another “ghost fleet” tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil. She shared a video showing troops descending onto the ship from a helicopter, calling the operation “safe” and “effective.”

Maritime risk company Vanguard Tech reported that the vessel was trying to break through the US naval blockade in the Caribbean. It had been sailing under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste, according to the International Maritime Organization.

Vanguard Tech added that the vessel’s location tracker was last active 52 days ago, northeast of Curacao. They noted that the seizure followed a long pursuit of tankers linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments in the area.

The US had sanctioned the Olina last January when it was named Minerva M, accusing it of helping finance Russia’s war in Ukraine by moving Russian oil to foreign markets.

US Back-to-back Operations

This week, the United States announced it seized two tankers involved in Venezuelan oil exports during operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. One of the tankers is the Marinera, which is flagged from Russia. The UK Royal Navy helped capture it by providing support from air and sea.

The Marinera is believed to be part of a shadow fleet that transports oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, violating US sanctions. US officials say the Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, making it stateless.

The second tanker, the M/T Sophia, is accused of engaging in illegal activities. Experts explain that, under international maritime law, authorities can board stateless vessels.

US President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, will hand over up to 50 million barrels of oil worth about $2.8 billion (£2.1 billion) to the US.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will sell this oil at market rates and manage how the proceeds are used to benefit the Venezuelan people.

January 9, 2026
Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer is Retiring from Congress

Maryland Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer will announce his retirement on Thursday after serving in Congress for over 40 years.

At 86 years old, Hoyer told The Washington Post that he decided to leave the House after talking with his family during the holidays.

Hoyer is the third-longest-serving member of the House. He said, “I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed too long and lost the ability to do the job.”

The former House majority leader will make his official retirement announcement in a speech on the House floor on Thursday.

Unlike many other members who have left Congress feeling frustrated with the political situation, Hoyer said he still loves the institution.

He noted that his constituents often ask when Congress will work better. He explained, “As long as Americans elect angry, confrontational people, don’t be surprised when Congress is angry and confrontational too.”

Hoyer expressed concern about the decline of American politics over the years. He blamed much of it on U.S. President Donald Trump, especially regarding Trump’s pardons for people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

He said, “His greatest strength is that he has no shame, and his supporters seem indifferent to his actions, including pardoning 1,600 people who committed treason. It’s astounding that he gets away with it.”

About Hoyer Career

Steny Hoyer spent over a decade in the Maryland state Senate before moving to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to Congress in 1981 through a special election. During his time in Congress, he held key roles such as House Democratic Whip, Deputy Majority Whip, and Chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Hoyer had a talent for passing important laws through divided groups, including the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

In 2023, Hoyer stepped back from leadership roles, along with Nancy Pelosi and Jim Clyburn, who also left their positions as House Speaker and Majority Whip. This change marked a generational shift for the Democratic Party in the House.

Hoyer told CNN’s Dana Bash, “I think all of us have been around for some time and have a good sense of the timing of decisions. We all felt this was the right time.”

In an interview with the Washington Post, Hoyer praised Pelosi, who announced she would not run for reelection after nearly 40 years in Washington. He described her as “tough as nails” and said she was the best of the ten speakers he worked with during his time in Congress.

“Sure, I would have loved to have been Speaker. Who wouldn’t want to be Speaker? But I don’t have deep regrets,” he told the paper.

January 8, 2026
US Senate to Vote on Limiting Trump on Venezuela

The U.S. Senate will vote on a resolution Thursday that would stop President Donald Trump from taking military action against Venezuela without approval from Congress. Supporters believe the vote could be close.

This vote comes days after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Caracas. Senators will discuss this resolution, which is part of several efforts to limit military actions against Venezuela, especially after recent attacks on boats off its coast in September.

Republicans have blocked similar measures before, but the last vote was close at 49-51. Two Republican senators joined Democrats to support a resolution in November. At that time, officials from the administration had told lawmakers they did not plan to change the government or conduct strikes in Venezuela.

After Maduro’s capture, some lawmakers accused the administration of misleading Congress. Democrats have spoken out publicly, while some Republicans have expressed concerns privately.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who helps sponsor the resolution, said, “I spoke to at least two Republicans today who did not support this resolution before but are now reconsidering.” He added, “I can’t guarantee how they will vote, but at least two are thinking about it, and some are openly sharing their concerns.” Paul did not name the Republicans. Trump’s party has a 53-47 seat majority in the Senate.

Obstacles Ahead

The Senate’s approval of the war powers resolution is a big win for lawmakers who want more control over military actions. However, for the resolution to become law, it needs to pass the Republican-led House of Representatives and get through a likely veto from Trump, which requires two-thirds majority votes in both chambers.

Lawmakers understand the challenges ahead but believe some Republicans may worry about a long and costly effort to change the government in Venezuela. On Wednesday, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he wants to raise the U.S. military budget from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion.

Senator Kaine noted that U.S. forces have been hitting Venezuelan boats for months. He also mentioned Trump’s claim that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan oil, stating, “This is not a surgical arrest operation at all.”

The U.S. Constitution says that any president must get Congress’s approval before starting a long military operation. Senators against the war powers resolution argue that taking on Maduro is a law enforcement issue, not a military one. Maduro is on trial in a U.S. court for drug and gun charges, which he denies. They argue that Trump, as the commander-in-chief, has the right to carry out limited military actions he thinks are necessary for national security.

January 8, 2026