New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued a scathing rebuke of the recent US military operation in Venezuela, labeling it an audacious “pursuit of regime change” and a clear violation of both federal and international law.
The condemnation follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a high-stakes overnight operation, after which they were reportedly transported to New York City to face federal charges.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Zohran Mamdani revealed that he had personally telephoned US President Donald Trump to express his formal opposition to the operation.
“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act,” he said, emphasizing that such unilateral military actions undermine global norms and endanger tens of thousands of Venezuelans living in New York.
Earlier, Mamdani had taken to social media platform X, describing the US strike as “an act of war” and “a blatant pursuit of regime change.” He added, “Attacking a sovereign nation unilaterally is a violation of both federal and international law. Such actions have far-reaching consequences beyond Venezuela.”
The mayor highlighted that his primary concern remains the safety and well-being of Venezuelan expatriates in New York, while reiterating that conflicts should be resolved through diplomacy rather than military force.
This marks Mamdani’s first public divergence from President Trump on foreign policy matters since assuming office, drawing attention domestically and internationally.
Political analysts have noted that the mayor’s outspoken stance underscores growing tensions between local governance priorities and federal foreign policy decisions.
So far, there has been no official response from the White House regarding Mamdani’s remarks, but his position has sparked a broader debate about the role of city leaders in influencing or commenting on international military actions.
