New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticized the United States’ recent military action in Venezuela, calling it an “act of war” and a violation of international law. He also spoke directly with former U.S. President Donald Trump to express his opposition.
Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces during a major military operation in Caracas earlier this week, which President Trump announced publicly. Trump said this action was part of a large-scale mission and that the Venezuelan leader would face charges in the U.S.
Mayor Mamdani, who was sworn in just days ago, told Trump in a direct phone call that attacking a sovereign nation without its consent amounts to war and breaches both federal and international law. He said he made his position clear during the call.
Mamdani also warned that the U.S. military action does not just affect people in Venezuela, but also Venezuelan communities living in New York City, which has tens of thousands of Venezuelan residents. He stressed that their safety and well-being are now priorities for his administration.
The mayor argued that seeking regime change without broad international support or approval from the U.S. Congress could undermine legal norms and put civilian communities at risk.
The Venezuelan president and his wife are expected to face charges in New York related to drug trafficking and other crimes, according to U.S. officials. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s comments reflect a broader domestic debate in the U.S. over the legality and consequences of the military operation.