Key Takeaways

• Dan Rather calls Trump an “unhinged, amoral man with a massive ego” after the Venezuela raid.
• U.S. forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without notifying Congress.
• The move may violate the War Powers Act and break campaign promises.
• Rather warns of legal, moral and political fallout from unchecked power.
• Allies must now take Trump’s bold actions literally, not just seriously.

Dan Rather Blasts Trump Over Venezuelan Raid

Former CBS anchor Dan Rather unleashed a fierce critique of President Trump’s recent order to capture Venezuela’s leader. Rather wrote on his site that Trump showed no clear plan. He dubbed the president “an unhinged, amoral man with a massive ego.” Rather used the phrase “Fire, Aim, Read” to lampoon Trump’s habit of acting before thinking.

Over the weekend, Trump sent U.S. troops to seize Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Congress had no warning. Instead, oil executives reportedly got a secret tip. This sudden move reminded Rather of Trump’s own admission on the campaign trail: he lacked a full health care plan. Now, Rather argues, he also lacks a plan for running Venezuela after the capture.

Moreover, Rather urged readers to imagine the chaos of one man trying to run two countries. He wrote, “Pity the Venezuelans who have lived under dictators for nearly three decades. Now they have an authoritarian-in-absentia calling the shots from 2,000 miles away.”

Rather’s Harsh Critique of Trump’s Leadership

Rather did not hold back. He warned that Trump’s ego and power without guardrails spell disaster. He called out the president’s inner circle as “sycophants” who failed to restrain him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, offered only vague hints about “changes of all kinds” during Sunday shows.

Under the War Powers Act, a president must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops abroad. If lawmakers do nothing, the deployment must end in 60 days. Trump ignored this rule. Rather noted that such a bypass could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders.

In addition, Rather stressed the moral cost. He asked readers to consider the suffering of Venezuelan people. They already face shortages of food, medicine and basic services. Now they must grapple with a foreign-held leader and potential violence on their streets.

The Bold Move by U.S. Forces

The raid stunned world leaders and legal experts alike. U.S. forces detained Maduro and Flores and flew them to New York under drug trafficking and weapons charges. In a single weekend, Trump shifted from campaign isolationism to bold interventionism.

On Capitol Hill, both Republicans and Democrats voiced alarm. Some said the operation was necessary to end a brutal dictatorship. Others warned it could spark wider conflict and tarnish America’s image. Still, Trump defended his action, calling it “a major win for justice.”

What Trump Said Aboard Air Force One

As reporters gathered on Air Force One, Trump made a startling confession. He declared, “We’re in charge. We’re going to run everything. We’re in the business of having countries around us that are viable and successful and where the oil is allowed to freely come out.”

Dan Rather reacted with disbelief. “What was that? Who said anything about oil?” he wrote. Indeed, Trump’s blunt admission broke from diplomatic language. It also echoed past U.S. interventions tied to oil interests. The remark highlighted how far Trump has moved from his promise to avoid foreign entanglements.

This candid comment may complicate U.S. relations in Latin America. Several governments condemned the raid as aggression. Others urged caution, fearing more regional instability.

The Road Ahead After Trump’s Raid

With Maduro and Flores in U.S. custody, the legal battle will unfold in New York courts. Observers expect a fierce defense of diplomatic immunity and claims of political persecution. Meanwhile, Venezuelan citizens face an uncertain future. Some may cheer the move; others may protest or resist.

Latin American allies also react. Some countries label the raid illegal. Others say it proves U.S. power can swing on a whim. Many now question whether America still respects international law and treaties.

Rather warned that Americans, too, must stay vigilant. He wrote, “With guardrails long gone, we have to be ready for literally anything.” He urged Congress to reassert its authority and craft clear rules on military force.

Finally, Trump allies once advised taking his ideas seriously but not literally. After this raid, they must adjust. The world has seen what unchecked power can achieve overnight. Now, everyone must prepare for the next move.

FAQs

Why did Dan Rather criticize the raid on Venezuela?

Rather felt the operation was reckless. He argued that Trump acted first and planned later. He called out the lack of congressional approval and potential legal breaches.

What is the War Powers Act and did Trump violate it?

The War Powers Act requires the president to alert Congress within 48 hours of military deployment. If lawmakers do not approve, troops must withdraw within 60 days. Trump did not follow this process.

What charges do Maduro and his wife face?

They face U.S. drug trafficking and weapons charges in New York. Prosecutors will need to prove illicit activity and overcome diplomatic immunity claims.

How might this raid affect U.S.–Latin America relations?

Some nations view the raid as illegal aggression. Others worry about regional stability and America’s reliability. This action could strain alliances and fuel anti-U.S. sentiment.