Why the Venezuela Raid Was Constitutional

Proponents argue that the Venezuela raid was a lawful, limited act of self-defense under Article II, not a war or regime change, and rests on longstanding Supreme Court precedent and executive practice. The piece contends that Maduro’s narco-terrorist regime abducting Americans constitutes an armed attack that justifies targeted action without prior Congressional authorization, and that War Powers considerations do not preclude a discrete rescue operation. It concludes the action fits within the early categories of Youngstown and is constitutional, especially given the ongoing hostage crisis.