Washington, D.C. — Former United States Vice President Kamala Harris has strongly criticised President Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela, warning that the move does not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable for its citizens.

In a statement released on X, Harris described Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro as a “brutal and illegitimate dictator,” but argued that this reality does not justify what she called an unlawful and unwise intervention by the Trump administration.

“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable,” Harris said, cautioning that history has repeatedly shown the dangers of foreign interventions framed as displays of strength.

According to Harris, wars pursued under the banners of regime change, oil interests, or national pride often spiral into prolonged instability, with American families ultimately paying the price through higher costs, lost lives, and long-term global insecurity.

She further stated that the American public does not support such actions and is increasingly weary of what she described as misleading justifications for military or strategic interventions.

“This is not about drugs or democracy,” Harris said. “It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman.”

Harris accused President Trump of hypocrisy, pointing to his decision to pardon a convicted drug trafficker while, at the same time, allegedly sidelining Venezuela’s legitimate democratic opposition. She also claimed that Trump has pursued engagements with individuals connected to Maduro’s inner circle, actions she said undermine claims of promoting democracy in the region.

Raising security and economic concerns, Harris warned that the President’s approach puts American troops at risk, costs billions of dollars, and destabilises an already fragile Latin American region. She added that the administration has provided no clear legal authority, no defined exit strategy, and no convincing explanation of how the action benefits Americans at home.

“The President is risking lives, wasting resources, and offering no clear plan,” Harris said.

Calling for a different direction in U.S. leadership, the former Vice President stressed the need for policies that prioritise domestic welfare and international cooperation.

“America needs leadership focused on lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and putting the American people first,” she said.

The remarks have intensified political debate in Washington over U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela, highlighting sharp divisions between the Trump administration and its critics over America’s role abroad and its priorities at home.