Pompeo on the possibility of Venezuela intervention: ‘We have a full range of options’

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that the Trump administration is preparing for a “full range of options” amid political turmoil in Venezuela.

“We have a full range of options that we’re preparing for,” he said on ABC’s “This Week.” 

He added that the options include “diplomatic options, political options, options with our allies and then ultimately a set of options that would involve use of U.S. military.” 

{mosads} “We’re preparing those for him so that when the situation arises, we’re not flatfooted,” he added.  

When asked whether the president believed that he can intervene militarily without congressional approval, Pompeo demurred. 

 “The president has his full range of Article 2 authorities and I’m very confident that any action we took in Venezuela would be lawful.”

NEW: Asked if Trump believes he could intervene militarily in Venezuela without Congress’ approval, Mike Pompeo says, “The president has his full range of Article 2 authorities and I’m very confident that any action we took in Venezuela would be lawful” https://t.co/PWsqOVOMif pic.twitter.com/4Y0yWeiQzJ

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) May 5, 2019

The political crisis in Venezuela reached new levels last week when opposition leader Juan Guaidó, whom President Trump recognizes as the country’s interim president, attempted to get the military to force President Nicolás Maduro out of power. The move was unsuccessful, as top military officials did not support Guaidó’s move. 

Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, has indicated support for intervention, but Trump has said multiple options are on the table.