New Delhi/Washington, Jan 4 (NationPress) Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has vehemently condemned President Donald Trump’s maneuvers in Venezuela, labeling them as unlawful, perilous, and motivated by political ambition rather than genuine national interests. In a pointed post on X, Harris cautioned that these actions could destabilize the region while jeopardizing American lives and resources.

“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not enhance America’s safety, strength, or affordability,” Harris stated, accusing the president of misleading the public. While recognizing the troubling record of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, she emphasized, “The fact that Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not excuse the unlawfulness and unwise nature of this action. We’ve witnessed this scenario before—wars for regime change or oil presented as strength but resulting in chaos, with American families bearing the costs.”

Harris pointed out the lack of public support for such endeavors. “The American populace is not in favor of this, and they are growing weary of deception,” she argued, asserting that the justification for the operation has been intentionally misrepresented.

In one of her most forceful statements, Harris declared, “This is not merely about drugs or democracy. It centers around oil and Donald Trump’s aspiration to act as the regional strongman.” She further accused the administration of hypocrisy, suggesting, “If he genuinely cared about either, he would not pardon a convicted drug trafficker or ignore Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while engaging with Maduro’s associates.”

Harris warned of the potential long-term ramifications, stating, “The President is endangering troops, squandering billions, destabilizing a region, and providing no legal justification, no exit strategy, and no benefits for Americans.”

She concluded by outlining her vision for the country’s priorities: “America requires leadership that prioritizes reducing costs for working families, upholding the rule of law, fortifying alliances, and—most crucially—placing the American people first.”

Her comments come in light of significant developments on the ground. In a recent operation on Saturday morning, US Delta forces targeted a military base in Venezuela, culminating months of military buildup, and apprehended Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores.

US officials reported that the couple was transferred to a warship and taken to New York, where they face charges related to “narco-terrorism” in federal court.

The indictment, disclosed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, was submitted in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors allege that Maduro has exploited state power for over two decades to transport vast quantities of cocaine to the United States. He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy related to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, firearms offenses, and more, with actions alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2025.

The court documents assert that Maduro “oversees a corrupt, illegitimate government” that has relied on military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies to maintain drug trafficking routes. Thousands of tons of cocaine were purportedly shipped through the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.

The indictment also names co-defendants, including Cilia Flores, Maduro’s son Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and various senior officials.