Rubio said Maduro captured to stand trial in the U.S., no further action expected in Venezuela: GOP senator
Republican Sen. Mike Lee said he was told by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the U.S. and that no further action was expected in Venezuela.
In a post on X, Lee said he spoke with Rubio by phone early Saturday.
"He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant," Lee posted.
"This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack," Lee posted.
Lee also said that Rubio told him he anticipates "no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody."
The conversation appears to have come after Lee posted earlier this morning suggesting he had concerns about the actions being taken absent congressional authorization.
"I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force," Lee posted earlier on X.
