Retired SEAL Confirms Trump’s Venezuela Operation Legally Justified

Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Representative Derrick Van Orden has affirmed that President Donald Trump acted within his constitutional authority during the operation that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being taken into custody.

Van Orden emphasized that Trump was correct in choosing not to brief members of Congress prior to the action, citing concerns about potential leaks. He stated, “Trump was right not to brief members of Congress in advance out of fear of leaks.”

The Wisconsin Republican added that while the executive branch must still provide a full briefing on the operation’s details and decision-making process, he remains “completely comfortable with the executive branch operating as the executive branch.” Van Orden noted instances where sensitive information shared in closed-door settings was rapidly disseminated—such as details being live-tweeted within four seconds of release.

He also warned that political interference on social media poses significant risks to military operations: “There are members of the Democrat Party right now that would be willing to sabotage a military operation because they hate Donald Trump.” Van Orden defended Trump’s actions as fully constitutional under Article II, stating unequivocally, “It’s absolutely 100% within the purview of Article II of the Constitution for the president of the United States… to conduct these military operations. Period.”

The retired officer praised the mission’s execution, calling it “one of the most fantastic special operations missions ever,” highlighting its complexity and months-long planning with “layered coordination from space down to a rifle in your hand…operating seamlessly.” He concluded: “It was done to perfection—I’m thanking God that they got out without anybody getting killed.”