U.S. Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has strongly criticised President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela, arguing that the action is motivated by oil interests and regime change rather than counter-narcotics objectives.
In a statement shared online, the New York lawmaker said, “It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month.”
Ocasio-Cortez went further, asserting that the operation is politically driven, stating: “It’s about oil and regime change.” She also claimed that U.S. leaders “need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t,” suggesting that the narrative around the operation is being used to distract public attention, particularly from issues involving Jeffrey Epstein and rising healthcare costs in the United States.
Her remarks add to growing political debate in Washington, where reactions to the Venezuela intervention have sharply divided lawmakers along ideological lines. Supporters of the operation frame it as a necessary strategic effort tied to security and regional stability, while critics like AOC warn of geopolitical escalation and long-term consequences.
OYOGist reports that further congressional responses and policy statements are expected as developments in Venezuela continue and the U.S. administration expands its messaging around the operation.
