Trump faces quick criticism from Democrats over Maduro capture

President Trump is already being blasted by congressional Democrats for ordering strikes on military targets in Caracas, as part of an overnight operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.Why it matters: The lawmakers say the president blatantly overstepped his authority by not seeking congressional authorization for the operation beforehand. The strikes were reportedly carried out against Venezuelan anti-air and other military targets in order to protect U.S. personnel carrying out Maduro's capture.Republicans have praised and defended the move, with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) saying Trump "likely" acted under his authority in Article II of the U.S. Constitution to defend American troops overseas.What they're saying: "This strike doesn't represent strength. It's not sound foreign policy," said Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in a post on X, who pointed to polling that shows broad voter disapproval towards armed conflict in Venezuela.The operation, Kim said, "sends a horrible and disturbing signal to other powerful leaders across the globe that targeting a head of state is an acceptable policy for the U.S. government."Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), while praising Maduro's capture as a "major step" towards a free Venezuela, added on X that "Trump's failure to seek Congressional approval for these strikes raises serious questions about the legality of the mission.""Congress did not authorize this war. Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States," said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).Between the lines: Both Soto and Kim noted that top Trump officials previously testified to Congress that the U.S. was not seeking to oust Maduro, and would seek congressional authorization for any ground operations in Venezuela."Congress must now conduct extensive hearings on the attack and all efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela," said Soto.The other side: "Nicolas Maduro wasn't just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation," Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a member of GOP leadership, said in a post on X. "That's why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism," Cotton continued, adding that Muduro would now "face justice for his crimes against our citizens.""The interim government in Venezuela must now decide whether to continue the drug trafficking and colluding with adversaries like Iran and Cuba or whether to act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world. I urge them to choose wisely," he said. Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.