In a sharp televised rebuttal, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries forcefully rejected former President Donald Trump's assertion that he would 'run' Venezuela, arguing Trump's domestic record disproves any such promise.
Jeffries Contrasts Trump's Record with Venezuela Rhetoric
Appearing on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, the Democratic leader from New York took direct aim at Trump's recent comments regarding Venezuela. Jeffries stated that Trump had done a 'terrible job running the United States of America' and pointed to the rising cost of living and a broken healthcare system as evidence. He emphasized that life for Americans had worsened, not improved, during Trump's tenure, contradicting his campaign pledges.
'The notion that he’s going to run Venezuela and make life better for the Venezuelan people, of course, is belied by the facts as to what he’s done as president here in the United States,' Jeffries concluded, framing Trump's international claim as hollow given his domestic performance.
Questions Over Justification for U.S. Military Action
The interview also delved into the recent U.S. military strike in Venezuela, which led to the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who appeared on the same program earlier, defended the timing of congressional notification, citing leak concerns.
However, Jeffries challenged the administration's rationale head-on. He argued that no evidence had been presented to justify the attack as a response to an imminent threat to American health, safety, or national security. 'This was not simply a counternarcotics operation — it was an act of war,' Jeffries declared, highlighting the gravity of the unilateral action.
Political Repercussions and Policy Scrutiny
The exchange underscores the deepening political divisions over foreign policy and executive power. Jeffries' comments reflect sustained Democratic criticism of Trump's approach to international conflicts and the transparency of his administration's decisions.
By directly linking Trump's controversial foreign policy action to his disputed domestic record, Jeffries aims to frame the upcoming political discourse around accountability and results. The incident ensures that justifications for military intervention and the former president's claims of managerial competence will remain under intense scrutiny.
