Trump declares War Powers Act unconstitutional after Venezuela military action criticism
Following bipartisan Senate criticism of his unilateral military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump posted on Truth Social on January 8-9, 2026, claiming 'The War Powers Act is Unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me.' The statement came as the Republican-led Senate advanced a war powers resolution to limit his ability to conduct further military operations in Venezuela without congressional approval. Trump also attacked five Republican senators who voted for the measure. Legal experts note that while presidents have long disputed the War Powers Resolution's constraints, courts have consistently declined to rule on its constitutionality, leaving the question unresolved.
“The War Powers Act is Unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me.” — Posted on Truth Social January 8-9, 2026, in response to bipartisan Senate vote advancing war powers resolution to limit presidential military action in Venezuela Quote verified against source
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryThis event represents a significant escalation in Trump's pattern of dismissing constitutional constraints on executive power. The declaration comes in direct response to bipartisan congressional oversight, demonstrating willingness to reject fundamental separation of powers principles when they limit his authority. The attack on Republican senators who supported the resolution shows intolerance for dissent even within his own party. The claim mirrors his 2022 statement about 'terminating' constitutional provisions, establishing a pattern of constitutional dismissal when politically convenient.