Schiff Drops Bombshell: Hegseth’s Venezuela Strikes Were Unlawful

Washington, D.C. — In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political and military establishment, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced yesterday that recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela—allegedly orchestrated under the direction of Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth—were conducted without proper legal authorization, violating both U.S. law and international norms.

At a press conference held on Capitol Hill, Schiff presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation into covert military operations in South America. “The facts are clear,” Schiff stated. “These strikes were carried out without congressional approval, without requisite oversight from the Department of Defense, and in direct contravention of the War Powers Resolution.”

According to Schiff, the operations targeted suspected cartel compounds and paramilitary groups near Venezuela’s border with Colombia. While Pentagon officials initially denied involvement, leaked documents and whistleblower testimony indicated that Hegseth, acting as a civilian advisor to a special task force, played a pivotal role in planning and green-lighting the missions.

“Mr. Hegseth’s actions bypassed established legal channels,” Schiff declared. “This is not just a violation of procedure—it’s a violation of the Constitution. No civilian, no matter how prominent, has the authority to order military action on foreign soil.”

The bombshell announcement immediately drew responses from across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders called for an emergency committee hearing, while several Republican lawmakers expressed concern about the potential for executive overreach. “We must ensure that all military operations are subject to the checks and balances our founders intended,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Human rights groups were quick to condemn the strikes, citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in the affected regions. Amnesty International issued a statement urging the U.S. government to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible to account. “Unlawful military intervention sets a dangerous precedent and undermines global stability,” the statement read.

Hegseth, for his part, appeared on Fox News shortly after Schiff’s press conference, denying any wrongdoing. “I acted in the best interests of American security,” Hegseth insisted. “The threats emanating from Venezuela are real, and decisive action was necessary. All my involvement was within advisory limits.”

But Schiff’s report paints a different picture. Internal emails and operational logs obtained by the committee suggest that Hegseth was present during key planning sessions, and that his recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the task force. Legal experts consulted by the committee confirmed that these actions constituted an overstep of civilian authority.

The White House responded cautiously, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “The administration takes these allegations seriously. We are reviewing the findings and will cooperate fully with congressional oversight.”

International reaction was swift. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council. Colombian officials, meanwhile, expressed concern about the spillover effects of the operation and called for increased diplomatic engagement.

As the investigation unfolds, Schiff has vowed to pursue accountability at every level. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our democracy.”

The House Intelligence Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings to further examine the evidence and hear testimony from military officials, legal scholars, and affected communities. Analysts predict that the fallout from Schiff’s bombshell could reshape the debate over civilian involvement in military affairs and the limits of executive power.

For now, the nation watches as the details emerge, and the question remains: How far will Congress go to rein in unlawful military action—and who will be held responsible?

Schiff Drops Bombshell: Hegseth’s Venezuela Strikes Were Unlawful

Washington, D.C. — In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political and military establishment, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced yesterday that recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela—allegedly orchestrated under the direction of Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth—were conducted without proper legal authorization, violating both U.S. law and international norms.

At a press conference held on Capitol Hill, Schiff presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation into covert military operations in South America. “The facts are clear,” Schiff stated. “These strikes were carried out without congressional approval, without requisite oversight from the Department of Defense, and in direct contravention of the War Powers Resolution.”

According to Schiff, the operations targeted suspected cartel compounds and paramilitary groups near Venezuela’s border with Colombia. While Pentagon officials initially denied involvement, leaked documents and whistleblower testimony indicated that Hegseth, acting as a civilian advisor to a special task force, played a pivotal role in planning and green-lighting the missions.

“Mr. Hegseth’s actions bypassed established legal channels,” Schiff declared. “This is not just a violation of procedure—it’s a violation of the Constitution. No civilian, no matter how prominent, has the authority to order military action on foreign soil.”

The bombshell announcement immediately drew responses from across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders called for an emergency committee hearing, while several Republican lawmakers expressed concern about the potential for executive overreach. “We must ensure that all military operations are subject to the checks and balances our founders intended,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Human rights groups were quick to condemn the strikes, citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in the affected regions. Amnesty International issued a statement urging the U.S. government to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible to account. “Unlawful military intervention sets a dangerous precedent and undermines global stability,” the statement read.

Hegseth, for his part, appeared on Fox News shortly after Schiff’s press conference, denying any wrongdoing. “I acted in the best interests of American security,” Hegseth insisted. “The threats emanating from Venezuela are real, and decisive action was necessary. All my involvement was within advisory limits.”

But Schiff’s report paints a different picture. Internal emails and operational logs obtained by the committee suggest that Hegseth was present during key planning sessions, and that his recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the task force. Legal experts consulted by the committee confirmed that these actions constituted an overstep of civilian authority.

The White House responded cautiously, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “The administration takes these allegations seriously. We are reviewing the findings and will cooperate fully with congressional oversight.”

International reaction was swift. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council. Colombian officials, meanwhile, expressed concern about the spillover effects of the operation and called for increased diplomatic engagement.

As the investigation unfolds, Schiff has vowed to pursue accountability at every level. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our democracy.”

The House Intelligence Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings to further examine the evidence and hear testimony from military officials, legal scholars, and affected communities. Analysts predict that the fallout from Schiff’s bombshell could reshape the debate over civilian involvement in military affairs and the limits of executive power.

For now, the nation watches as the details emerge, and the question remains: How far will Congress go to rein in unlawful military action—and who will be held responsible?

Schiff Drops Bombshell: Hegseth’s Venezuela Strikes Were Unlawful

Washington, D.C. — In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political and military establishment, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced yesterday that recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela—allegedly orchestrated under the direction of Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth—were conducted without proper legal authorization, violating both U.S. law and international norms.

At a press conference held on Capitol Hill, Schiff presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation into covert military operations in South America. “The facts are clear,” Schiff stated. “These strikes were carried out without congressional approval, without requisite oversight from the Department of Defense, and in direct contravention of the War Powers Resolution.”

According to Schiff, the operations targeted suspected cartel compounds and paramilitary groups near Venezuela’s border with Colombia. While Pentagon officials initially denied involvement, leaked documents and whistleblower testimony indicated that Hegseth, acting as a civilian advisor to a special task force, played a pivotal role in planning and green-lighting the missions.

“Mr. Hegseth’s actions bypassed established legal channels,” Schiff declared. “This is not just a violation of procedure—it’s a violation of the Constitution. No civilian, no matter how prominent, has the authority to order military action on foreign soil.”

The bombshell announcement immediately drew responses from across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders called for an emergency committee hearing, while several Republican lawmakers expressed concern about the potential for executive overreach. “We must ensure that all military operations are subject to the checks and balances our founders intended,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Human rights groups were quick to condemn the strikes, citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in the affected regions. Amnesty International issued a statement urging the U.S. government to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible to account. “Unlawful military intervention sets a dangerous precedent and undermines global stability,” the statement read.

Hegseth, for his part, appeared on Fox News shortly after Schiff’s press conference, denying any wrongdoing. “I acted in the best interests of American security,” Hegseth insisted. “The threats emanating from Venezuela are real, and decisive action was necessary. All my involvement was within advisory limits.”

But Schiff’s report paints a different picture. Internal emails and operational logs obtained by the committee suggest that Hegseth was present during key planning sessions, and that his recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the task force. Legal experts consulted by the committee confirmed that these actions constituted an overstep of civilian authority.

The White House responded cautiously, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “The administration takes these allegations seriously. We are reviewing the findings and will cooperate fully with congressional oversight.”

International reaction was swift. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council. Colombian officials, meanwhile, expressed concern about the spillover effects of the operation and called for increased diplomatic engagement.

As the investigation unfolds, Schiff has vowed to pursue accountability at every level. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our democracy.”

The House Intelligence Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings to further examine the evidence and hear testimony from military officials, legal scholars, and affected communities. Analysts predict that the fallout from Schiff’s bombshell could reshape the debate over civilian involvement in military affairs and the limits of executive power.

For now, the nation watches as the details emerge, and the question remains: How far will Congress go to rein in unlawful military action—and who will be held responsible?

Schiff Drops Bombshell: Hegseth’s Venezuela Strikes Were Unlawful

Washington, D.C. — In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political and military establishment, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced yesterday that recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela—allegedly orchestrated under the direction of Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth—were conducted without proper legal authorization, violating both U.S. law and international norms.

At a press conference held on Capitol Hill, Schiff presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation into covert military operations in South America. “The facts are clear,” Schiff stated. “These strikes were carried out without congressional approval, without requisite oversight from the Department of Defense, and in direct contravention of the War Powers Resolution.”

According to Schiff, the operations targeted suspected cartel compounds and paramilitary groups near Venezuela’s border with Colombia. While Pentagon officials initially denied involvement, leaked documents and whistleblower testimony indicated that Hegseth, acting as a civilian advisor to a special task force, played a pivotal role in planning and green-lighting the missions.

“Mr. Hegseth’s actions bypassed established legal channels,” Schiff declared. “This is not just a violation of procedure—it’s a violation of the Constitution. No civilian, no matter how prominent, has the authority to order military action on foreign soil.”

The bombshell announcement immediately drew responses from across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders called for an emergency committee hearing, while several Republican lawmakers expressed concern about the potential for executive overreach. “We must ensure that all military operations are subject to the checks and balances our founders intended,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Human rights groups were quick to condemn the strikes, citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in the affected regions. Amnesty International issued a statement urging the U.S. government to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible to account. “Unlawful military intervention sets a dangerous precedent and undermines global stability,” the statement read.

Hegseth, for his part, appeared on Fox News shortly after Schiff’s press conference, denying any wrongdoing. “I acted in the best interests of American security,” Hegseth insisted. “The threats emanating from Venezuela are real, and decisive action was necessary. All my involvement was within advisory limits.”

But Schiff’s report paints a different picture. Internal emails and operational logs obtained by the committee suggest that Hegseth was present during key planning sessions, and that his recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the task force. Legal experts consulted by the committee confirmed that these actions constituted an overstep of civilian authority.

The White House responded cautiously, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “The administration takes these allegations seriously. We are reviewing the findings and will cooperate fully with congressional oversight.”

International reaction was swift. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council. Colombian officials, meanwhile, expressed concern about the spillover effects of the operation and called for increased diplomatic engagement.

As the investigation unfolds, Schiff has vowed to pursue accountability at every level. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our democracy.”

The House Intelligence Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings to further examine the evidence and hear testimony from military officials, legal scholars, and affected communities. Analysts predict that the fallout from Schiff’s bombshell could reshape the debate over civilian involvement in military affairs and the limits of executive power.

For now, the nation watches as the details emerge, and the question remains: How far will Congress go to rein in unlawful military action—and who will be held responsible?