By SUZANNE DOWNING
Alaska US Sen. Lisa Murkowski once again voted against President Donald Trump, siding with Democrats on Thursday to advance a Senate resolution that would restrict Trump’s ability to carry out future military action “within or against” Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress.
The vote allowed the Senate to proceed with a war powers resolution introduced by Democrat Sen. Tim Kaine, requiring only a simple majority to move forward. Every Democrat and independent supported the procedural vote, joined by five Republicans — Murkowski, Sens. Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Rand Paul, and Todd Young.
This isn’t new for Murkowski. Five years ago, she was one of eight Republicans to vote with Kaine and Democrats for the 2020 War Powers Resolution on Iran, to require congressional approval for Trump to take military action against Iran.
This new resolution is that 2020 one warmed over: It would prohibit future US military action against Venezuela unless Congress authorizes it, effectively rebuking Trump’s recent and highly publicized operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan outlaw President Nicolás Maduro. While the measure is expected to face a final Senate vote next week, it is mainly symbolic. Even if it were to pass both chambers, it lacks the votes needed to override an anticipated presidential veto.
Murkowski’s vote immediately drew the ire of Trump, who publicly lashed out on Truth Social.
“Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again,” Trump wrote, singling out the Republicans who crossed him.
The vote continues a familiar Murkowski pattern. She has repeatedly broken with Trump on high-profile issues involving executive authority, impeachment, and foreign policy, even as Trump remains the nation’s chief executive. Her willingness to side with Democrats on matters central to Republicans has put her on the outs with many Alaskans.
The Senate is expected to take up the resolution again next week for a simple majority vote, and then it will go to the House.
12 thoughts on “Murkowski breaks with Trump again, sides with Democrats to curb Venezuela war powers”
It’s her party, 👸😢😭 if she wants to.
While I believe Princess is wrong in this case, only the passage of time will advise the wisdom of regime change. How horrible it would be that Trump wrought a 20 years struggle as did GWB.
P.S. Suzanne, I truly like the new photo of you in a whirly bird. Awesome 🤩 🥰
That said, that has to be the mfugliest picture of Princess on record. 🤢🤮
The photo sums up her attitude. The President we elected is obviously not the same as our RCV selected Senator we sent to DC. She has way too much in common with Mary Peltola to even be considered a republican. Will she ever come out of her closet and admit her loyalty to the Democratic party.
Hmmm(?) … What is truly wrong with Daddy’s Little Princess? I’m guessing a severe case of TDS.
Just wait until someone in her family or, within her circles, succumbs to a Fentanyl overdose, like too many Alaskans. Fentanyl has been the primary driver of drug overdose deaths in Alaska in recent years, often involved in the majority of opioid-related fatalities (typically 70-80% or more of total overdoses since 2020).
According to official reports from the Alaska Department of Health:
… In 2023, Alaska recorded a record-high 357 drug overdose deaths, with 265 involving fentanyl.
… In 2024, total overdose deaths were approximately 339 (a slight decline from 2023, contrasting national trends), with fentanyl involvement decreasing by about 7% but still predominant in most cases.
Truly, Trump is trying to exercise LEADERSHIP and prevent many more ‘unnecessary’ US and Alaskan deaths. What exactly is Lisa doing and/or what has she specifically done on just the fentanyl issue?!?!?!
SO FAR, she’s been a complete ‘dud’ … an obstacle and providing ‘no’ solutions!!! She’s not a Team Player, does not ‘read the room’ exuding awareness of constituent sentiment, will not listen to constituents … party members … long-time Alaskans, and only sees things in ‘her’ way. Is that the representation Alaska and Alaskans deserve? I Think NOT!!!
She even looks like a democrat.
Really sad to see any leader who we once saw at the top her game taking her descent
Every leader who stays too long All experience the downhill climb
Murkowski is descending, her race is and coming to closer. Sullivan us at the top of his game and getting ready to descend, and Nicholas Begich is rising up to his game just starting his race.
Murkowski needs to quiet herself and finish up her senator race quietly and with dignity. She’s done.
Very telling that this isn’t an issue when a Democrat is in the Whitehouse but taking actions that are leaps and bounds beyond the current restrained and targeted actions, very telling indeed.
There has been NO declaration of war against Venezuela because America is NOT at war with Venezuela!
I stand with Trump. If the Murkowski type fools would pay attention to their roles and stop being democrats, we’d see much greater MAGA success. This Resolution is wrong headed and a total waste of time! It has ZERO chance of being codified even if it was worthy!
The message these dorks are sending to America’s enemies is “Congress doesn’t support President Trump” and the USA will rule by committee, so y’all can rest easy!
A 2nd grader in the public school system could do a betting job than dorkess Lisa! Thanks a lot Frank!
Worthy of investigation is any Republican tied to Maduro money. Seems to be the word on the street.
Trump should rename Mt. McKinley to Mt. RINO, in honor of princess Murky.
I know that some people in Alaska think Lisa has turned into an outlaw. Please, hold your rhetoric. It’s no family secret that Lisa was diagnosed with a mental illness decades ago. Nancy and me always though she would snap out of it when I appointed her. I guys you could just blame me. Her illness should begin to go away in late 2028. Hang in there, folks, with Nancy and me.
How did Murkie break with Trump? She has never been with him or supported his agenda.