West Tennesseans, lawmakers react to military operations in Venezuela

JACKSON, Tenn. — West Tennesseans and lawmakers alike react to the military operations in Venezuela over the weekend.

We spoke to many West Tennesseans Monday afternoon on the strikes in Venezuela and how they feel about it. Many were quick to praise, but some brought into question the legality of the actions due to the fact that they were done without congressional approval.

Many of the West Tennesseans we spoke to also called Venezuelan P resident Nicolas Maduro a dictator.

“I believe any time we get rid of a dictator the world is a better place,” said Eric Gelinas, Jackson resident.

We also received statements from Tennessee legislators. U.S. Representative David Kustoff posted a statement Saturday saying “Today’s action in Venezuela was necessary and justified to protect the American people.”

Representative Kustoff also blames the Venezuelan head of state for fueling drug trafficking and cartel violence that has cost American lives.

Senator and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn thanks President Trump, Secretary of state Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the U.S. Military for bringing Maduro to America to face what she called “American justice.”

In a post on X, Senator Bill Hagerty takes a dig at previous administrations and applauds President Trump for enforcing the law and bringing justice to what she says are narcoterrorists.

Maduro has been the head of state in Venezuela since 2013.

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