The U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Donald Trump's plan to "run" the South American country are drawing both praise and criticism from upstate New York's congressional delegation.
Opinions split along party lines.
"This outcome is the result of decisive action by President Trump, who has made clear that the United States will confront criminal regimes that threaten our security and destabilize our region," said Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy, whose 23rd District extends across Western New York and the Southern Tier. "This is what peace through strength looks like — clear resolve backed by action."
Democratic leaders claimed the Trump administration had misled Congress about its intentions then carried out a regime change operation without authorization.
"Let me be clear: Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate dictator," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "But launching military action without congressional authorization and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless."
There were protests Saturday in Brighton and Rochester, with several dozen demonstrators gathering outside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on State Street downtown.
What follows is a summary of reaction from the area's elected leaders:
My full statement on the capture of Venezuelan Narco Terrorist Nicolas Maduro: pic.twitter.com/PAjDydCuTx
— Congressman Nick Langworthy (@RepLangworthy) January 3, 2026
My full statement on the Trump Administration’s military actions in Venezuela: pic.twitter.com/eqYE4t9K7J
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 3, 2026
After repeatedly telling me and my colleagues that it was not seeking to do so, the administration must explain why they would carry out this military operation to perform regime change without authorization by Congress.
— Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (@gillibrandny) January 3, 2026
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/MK2rSESM7h
Last night, under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. conducted a decisive and successful action against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his illegitimate regime. This operation sends a clear message that the United…
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) January 3, 2026
The President’s attack on Venezuela raises serious national security concerns. Nicolás Maduro is a dangerous dictator, but that does not justify violating the Constitution, U.S., and International law.
— Joe Morelle (@RepJoeMorelle) January 3, 2026
Decisions of this magnitude, undertaken without congressional authorization…
See my full statement on Trump's military action in Venezuela below. pic.twitter.com/4bioGGyNqN
— Rep. Tim Kennedy (@RepTimKennedy) January 3, 2026
My statement on military action in Venezuela: pic.twitter.com/aS84NxaQBd
— Rep. Josh Riley (@RepRileyNY) January 3, 2026
