Mike Johnson: U.S. Is Not at War With Venezuela
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, pushing back against speculation following a major operation targeting the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol, Johnson emphasized that the operation does not involve the deployment of American troops and does not represent a military occupation or a formal declaration of war.
“We are not at war,” Johnson said. “We do not have U.S. armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country.”
Johnson described the action as a limited effort aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan leadership to change its behavior rather than overthrowing the government. He said the United States is seeking accountability and reform, not regime change.
“This is not a regime change,” Johnson added. “This is a demand for a change of behavior by a regime. An interim government has been stood up, and we are hopeful they will be able to correct their actions.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast echoed Johnson’s remarks, calling the operation a targeted law enforcement action designed to remove barriers preventing the Venezuelan people from determining their own future.
U.S. officials continue to stress that Washington’s involvement is limited and focused on diplomatic and legal pressure rather than direct military engagement.
Mike Johnson: U.S. Is Not at War With Venezuela
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, pushing back against speculation following a major operation targeting the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol, Johnson emphasized that the operation does not involve the deployment of American troops and does not represent a military occupation or a formal declaration of war.
“We are not at war,” Johnson said. “We do not have U.S. armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country.”
Johnson described the action as a limited effort aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan leadership to change its behavior rather than overthrowing the government. He said the United States is seeking accountability and reform, not regime change.
“This is not a regime change,” Johnson added. “This is a demand for a change of behavior by a regime. An interim government has been stood up, and we are hopeful they will be able to correct their actions.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast echoed Johnson’s remarks, calling the operation a targeted law enforcement action designed to remove barriers preventing the Venezuelan people from determining their own future.
U.S. officials continue to stress that Washington’s involvement is limited and focused on diplomatic and legal pressure rather than direct military engagement.