Mamdani Calls Trump to Oppose US 'Act of War' in Venezuela

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he personally contacted President Donald Trump to object to what he described as a US “act of war” in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in an overnight operation.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing yesterday, Mamdani said he spoke directly with the president to express his opposition.

He said his concerns stem from what he views as a deliberate effort to impose regime change and actions that he believes conflict with both US law and international norms.

Earlier, the mayor characterized the US military action that led to Maduro’s detention as a clear act of war and an explicit attempt to force political change in a sovereign country.

In a post on X, Mamdani said he had been informed about the operation and plans to hold Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in federal custody in New York City.

“Launching a unilateral attack against a sovereign nation constitutes an act of war and violates both federal and international law,” Mamdani said, warning that such actions risk escalating US foreign policy into dangerous territory.

He also said the impact of the operation could reach beyond Venezuela, potentially affecting tens of thousands of Venezuelans living in New York. Mamdani said his priority is ensuring the safety of those residents, as well as all New Yorkers, and that his administration is closely monitoring the situation and will provide guidance if necessary.

The comments followed President Trump’s announcement that US forces had conducted a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, detaining Maduro and his wife and transporting them out of the country. Trump later said the couple were being taken to New York to face federal charges.