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Zinke Defends Venezuela Actions, Sidesteps War Powers Debate

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rep. Ryan Zinke defended the Trump administration's Venezuela actions in a CNN interview, calling the operation a 'law enforcement action' rather than a declared war.
He was reminded of past statements that Congress has the authority to declare war.
Zinke said the operation would need 'support' defined as 'people and resources'.
When asked about war powers from U.S. President Donald Trump, Zinke avoided a direct answer and cited government waste.

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Story summary

Rep. Ryan Zinke defended the Trump administration's Venezuela actions in a CNN interview, calling the operation a 'law enforcement action' rather than a declared war.
He was reminded of past statements that Congress has the authority to declare war.
Zinke said the operation would need 'support' defined as 'people and resources'.
When asked about war powers from U.S. President Donald Trump, Zinke avoided a direct answer and cited government waste.