Trump's critics speak

UNITED States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top US officials have briefed political leaders in Congress on the striking military operation in Venezuela, amid mounting concerns that US President Donald Trump is embarking on a new era of US expansionism without consultation of politicians or a clear vision

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for running the South American country.

Republican leaders entered Monday's closed-door session at the Capitol largely supportive of Mr Trump's decision to forcibly remove Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Many Democrats emerged with more questions, as Mr Trump maintains a fleet of naval vessels off the Venezuelan coast and urges US companies to reinvest in the country's under-performing oil industry.

A war powers resolution that would prohibit US military action in Venezuela without approval from Congress is heading for a vote this week in the Senate.