U.S. "Not at War" in Venezuela, Says Speaker After Secret Briefing Sparks Clash

House Speaker Mike Johnson insists the United States is "not at war" with Venezuela. His statement followed a classified briefing for lawmakers about a secret U.S. operation there. The private briefing, however, caused a public split between top leaders. Johnson, a Republican, said the operation was "important" and denied it was an act of war. But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he left the briefing with "more questions than answers." He criticized the Trump administration for not consulting Congress first. The operation in question remains undisclosed. The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress over military authority and secrecy.