GOP shows little interest in limiting Trump's war powers as he dials up foreign taunts

Few Republicans show any interest in reclaiming Congress’s war powers after Donald Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuela and captured leader Maduro.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lindsey Graham gave a categorical answer Tuesday when he was asked whether there’s any way Congress will limit President Donald Trump’s war powers after he ordered an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

“No,” Graham, R-S.C., told NBC News.

The unequivocal response, even from a Trump loyalist, captures the scarcity of GOP interest in reclaiming Congress’ Article I powers to wage war after Trump ordered military strikes on Caracas. Trump has since suggested he'll go further, saying the U.S. will “run” Venezuela, while keeping the door open to using ground troops and dialing up warnings to other countries.

Add NBC News to GoogleVenezuela on edge amid regime crackdown02:33Trump’s rhetoric has alarmed U.S. allies around the world about the potential for further American intervention. His moves have also sparked criticism domestically from the Democratic opposition, along with a small group of Republicans, who say that he is acting illegally and that the Constitution requires him to get approval from Congress on matters of war.

The White House argues that the administration's actions in Venezuela were related to law enforcement and don't require congressional approval. And top Republicans, who control the House and the Senate, are offering support for Trump’s operation, calling Maduro an illegitimate leader while downplaying the prospect that Trump will further ratchet up U.S. military action.