GOP Split as Rand Paul Condemns “Warmongers,” MAGA Rejects Venezuela Intervention
In a stark reflection of Republican infighting, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) blasted congressional “warmongers” pushing for expanded U.S. military powers in Venezuela—a move rejected by key MAGA-aligned lawmakers. The failed bipartisan bill, designed to counter Nicolás Maduro’s regime, exposed deepening GOP divisions between interventionists and populists wary of foreign wars.
Rand Paul’s Anti-War Warning
On the Senate floor, Paul accused hawkish lawmakers of recycling failed strategies: “The same people who dragged us into Iraq and Libya now want war in Venezuela. Enough with endless conflicts that weaken America.” His remarks underscore a libertarian shift in the GOP, amplified by Trump’s “America First” base, which increasingly opposes military adventurism.
The bill sought to grant the White House broader authority for potential operations in Venezuela, citing the regime’s alliances with Russia, China, and Iran. Yet it gained little traction amid Venezuela’s ongoing crisis—and surprising MAGA resistance.
MAGA’s Anti-Intervention Stance
Despite Trump’s past threats of a “military option” against Maduro, Republicans like Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) dismissed the bill as a distraction. Gaetz tweeted: “Why invade Venezuela when our border is open, inflation rages, and the economy crumbles?”
The rift pits traditional hawks (e.g., Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio) against populists who view foreign wars as wasteful—a divide that could reshape GOP foreign policy ahead of 2024.
Democratic Divisions
Progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) slammed the bill as imperial overreach, while moderates backed it to counter authoritarianism. The Biden administration has avoided endorsing military action but maintains sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
What’s Next for Venezuela Policy?
With the bill’s collapse, U.S. strategy will likely focus on sanctions and support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó. But as Maduro tightens control and migration surges, calls for tougher measures may grow.
Paul and MAGA’s resistance signals a GOP reckoning on interventionism. As he warned: “Americans are sick of wars that don’t keep us safe.” Whether this stance endures—or fractures under new crises—could define the party’s future.
— NextMinuteNews
