New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Condemns US Military Action Against Venezuela's Maduro

Mayor's Direct Communication with President Trump

In a recent statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that he had a direct conversation with President Donald Trump regarding the US military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. Mamdani characterized this military action as an 'act of war' against a sovereign nation.

Both Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York and are being transported to the city to face legal proceedings.

During a press conference, Mamdani expressed his concerns, stating, 'I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act.' He did not disclose Trump's response to his concerns.

This significant international incident occurred just two days after Mamdani took office as mayor.

On Saturday morning, Mamdani received briefings from his administration officials, including the police commissioner, regarding the military operation and the planned detention of Maduro and Flores in New York City.

Mamdani emphasized that the 'blatant pursuit of regime change' has repercussions for New Yorkers, particularly for the Venezuelan community residing in the city.

He stated, 'Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.'

Mamdani further noted, 'This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn't just affect those abroad; it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.'

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed via a post on X that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.

Maduro faces multiple charges, including conspiracy related to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

Bondi remarked, 'They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,' expressing gratitude to Trump for his decisive action and to the military for their successful operation.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, criticized the military action, stating that while Maduro is an 'illegitimate dictator' responsible for suffering in Venezuela, it does not justify military force without congressional approval.

Krishnamoorthi argued, 'By acting without congressional authorization and publicly asserting US control over another sovereign nation, President Trump is abusing presidential power and undermining the Constitution's separation of powers.'

He called for immediate accountability regarding the safety of US personnel and urged the administration to disclose any casualties and fully brief Congress.

Krishnamoorthi concluded, 'The president has now stated that the United States will run Venezuela, committing the country to open-ended responsibility. Neither the American people nor Congress approved that course. This use of force and claimed control erodes the rule of law, emboldens Moscow and Beijing to push boundaries elsewhere, weakens America's credibility, and ultimately makes Americans less safe.'