Kelly statement on U.S. military operations in Venezuela

Image January 3, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement after U.S. military operations in Venezuela. "Today, President Trump has once again shown the world that the United States will defend itself from terrorism of all kinds, including narcoterrorism led by Venezuela’s illegitimate leader Nicolás Maduro," said Rep. Kelly. "For years, I’ve sounded the alarm about foreign intervention against the United States throughout the Western Hemisphere. This includes illegal drug trafficking into our country. Today’s tactical military operation in Venezuela is the Trump Doctrine in action. This is the right time to have the right President in the White House." Rep. Kelly has previously published op-eds highlighting the importance of the Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary in U.S. foreign policy; and, the need to recognize ongoing actions against the United States by China, Russia, and their allies in Latin America, including Venezuela. You can read Kelly's op-eds here: Newsweek, Jan. 2025 -- Trump is right about the Panama Canal Newsweek, June 2024 -- Why Russia’s Warships in Cuba Matter to the United States FoxNews.com, July 2023 -- Teddy Roosevelt’s model to combat Communist China The Hill, April 2022 -- If history repeats itself, the US must be ready