Summary
President Donald Trump used the U.S. military to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro without Congress's approval, sparking debate over the War Powers Act. Trump called the Act unconstitutional, but courts have not settled this issue definitively. Congress and the President have long disagreed on who can declare war.
Key Facts
- President Trump ordered a military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval.
- He claimed the War Powers Act is unconstitutional, violating Article II of the Constitution.
- The War Powers Act requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action.
- The Act also demands the end of military operations within 60 days without Congress's approval, with some exceptions.
- Courts have avoided making a legal decision on the War Powers Act's constitutionality.
- The U.S. Senate moved to limit further military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval, but success is uncertain.
- Presidents and Congress have historically disagreed on war declarations, with the last formal declaration made in World War II.
