The Democratic Socialists of America has issued a stunning defense of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro following his capture by U.S. forces, demanding his return to power and calling the operation an “illegal war.” This raises serious questions about the growing influence of socialist ideology within the Democratic Party.
The DSA, which maintains the distinction of being America’s largest socialist organization and counts among its allies New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, published a lengthy statement Saturday characterizing President Donald Trump’s successful military operation as “nakedly imperialist.” The group claims the action was designed to “install a US puppet government that will give Venezuela’s oil resources over to US corporations.”
Let us examine the facts. President Trump confirmed a successful strike on Venezuela that resulted in zero U.S. military casualties, zero damage to American military equipment, and the arrest of both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on sweeping narcotics charges. This was a textbook military operation by any objective measure.
The DSA’s characterization of this as an “illegal war” under both international law and U.S. constitutional provisions governing war declarations demonstrates either a fundamental misunderstanding of military operations or a deliberate misrepresentation of reality. A targeted operation to apprehend individuals facing criminal charges in the United States does not constitute a declaration of war. It constitutes law enforcement on an international scale.
The more troubling aspect of this story is not merely the DSA’s predictable defense of a socialist dictator. Rather, it is the ongoing debate within Democratic Party circles about the influence these radicals wield. Democratic strategist Melissa DeRosa and Faiz Shakir, senior advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, have engaged in public discussions about the DSA’s role and future within the party.
This is not an academic question. When the nation’s largest socialist organization openly advocates for the return to power of a narco-dictator facing criminal charges on American soil, and when that organization maintains ties to elected officials within the Democratic Party, Americans deserve clarity about where mainstream Democrats stand.
The DSA’s statement references a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting American “hegemony” over Latin America represents some form of imperialism. This ignores the reality that Maduro has overseen Venezuela’s transformation from a prosperous nation into a failed state characterized by hyperinflation, mass starvation, and the exodus of millions of refugees.
The criminal charges against Maduro and Flores relate to narcotics trafficking, not political disagreements about economic policy. These are serious allegations that warrant prosecution under American law. The DSA’s framing of this as an oil grab reveals more about their ideological commitments than about the actual circumstances of the operation.
The Democratic Party faces a choice. Either party leadership explicitly distances itself from organizations that defend narco-dictators, or Americans will reasonably conclude that socialist influence has become too embedded within Democratic ranks to excise. The silence from prominent Democrats on this matter speaks volumes about their willingness to confront the radical elements operating under their party’s umbrella.
Facts do not care about the DSA’s feelings regarding American foreign policy. Maduro faces serious criminal charges, and he will now face American justice.
Related: Bongino Steps Down as FBI Deputy Director After Less Than One Year