JUST IN: House Speaker Mike Johnson Defends Trump Administration’s Venezuela Operation without congressional approval.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday defended the Trump administration’s military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, asserting that the action did not require prior congressional approval.”This is an operation that did not require prior consent of Congress, prior authorization of Congress — it required notification of Congress,” Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved U.S. special forces raiding Caracas early Saturday, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who now face narco-terrorism charges in New York.

President Trump has stated the U.S. will temporarily “run” Venezuela to facilitate a transition and tap its oil reserves.Johnson praised the mission as “decisive and justified,” emphasizing its role in combating drug trafficking and protecting American lives.

He noted that congressional leaders were notified after the operation began, in line with administration protocols for sensitive missions.Republicans largely rallied behind the president, framing it as a law enforcement action supported by military assets.

However, Democrats condemned it as unconstitutional and reckless, arguing it violated the War Powers Resolution by bypassing congressional authorization.

Senate Democrats plan to force a vote next week on a resolution blocking further hostilities without explicit approval.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over executive authority in foreign military engagements. Briefings for lawmakers are scheduled upon Congress’s return.