Over the weekend, the Trump administration launched a military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro. Such an aggressive use of war powers without congressional consent is alarming and in many ways unprecedented. Trump is declaring victory. Critics are decrying a breach of checks and balances. What are the implications of this unilateral abuse of military force, and what could happen next?

Listen as leading experts from the Brennan Center discuss what happened, break down the legal issues at play, and reveal what Congress can do right now to respond.

Speakers:

* Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center

* Katherine Yon Ebright, Counsel, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center

* Moderator: Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center

Recorded on January 6, 2026.

Keep up with the Brennan Center’s work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing, at https://go.brennancenter.org/briefing.

The Brennan Center is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to repair, revitalize, and defend our systems of democracy and justice so they work for all Americans. The Brennan Center cannot support or oppose any candidate for office.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brennancenter.substack.com