Senator Peter Welch Warns of US Regime Change War with Venezuela

US Military Buildup Near Venezuela

• ⚠️ Senator Peter Welch warns that the United States is on the brink of a regime change war with Venezuela.
• 🚢 President Trump has reportedly amassed a significant US military presence off Venezuela's coast, including 13 warships like the USS Gerald Ford carrier group and amphibious assault ships.
• ✈️ Approximately 15,000 military personnel, including special forces and marines, are in the region, supported by over 100 advanced aircraft, including F-35s.
• 🚨 Combat rescue units have also been deployed, indicating a potential for military action.

Stated Goals and Justifications

• 🎯 The primary stated goal of this military buildup is to remove Maduro from power, with President Trump reportedly saying Maduro's days are "numbered."
• 🗣️ Chief of Staff Susie Wild is quoted saying the president wants to "keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle."
• 🚫 Secretary Rubio has referred to the Venezuelan government as an "illegitimate regime" and a "narco trafficking organization."

Historical Precedents and Concerns

• ⚔️ Welch draws parallels to past regime change wars, citing the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, which led to prolonged instability, insurgencies, and significant costs in lives and trillions of dollars.
• ❓ He raises two key questions: Should the US go to war to change a regime, and can the president initiate such a war unilaterally without congressional approval under the War Powers Act?

Transparency and Accountability Demands

• 📄 The administration is criticized for a lack of transparency with Congress regarding military actions, including alleged extrajudicial killings of civilians in international waters.
• ⚖️ Welch calls for the release of the classified legal opinion justifying these actions and the video footage of recent attacks.
• 📜 He insists that the President must comply with the War Powers Act and seek congressional approval for military action, emphasizing Congress's constitutional authority to declare war.