For Immediate Release: January 5, 2026 President Julie Kent, Florida NOW,
Orlando, FL — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) condemns the Trump administration’s violent escalation in Venezuela, which has intensified instability, deepened humanitarian suffering, and placed women, children, and marginalized communities at great risk. Reports from international observers, human rights organizations, and regional partners describe a rapidly deteriorating situation marked by civilian harm, forced displacement, and the breakdown of essential services.
The actions of the Trump regime echo our disastrous Vietnam War. Congress has not declared war, but Trump has. Trump, in the name of the United States, deposed the leader of Venezuela. The war and kidnapping are all illegal under U.S. and International law. This attack was not about drugs. The goal of all the operations against Venezuela is to control their oil.
“Escalating violence is a catastrophe for women and families who are already living through political repression, economic collapse, and widespread insecurity,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Women in Venezuela are facing hunger, medical shortages, gender‑based violence, and the collapse of democratic institutions. Any U.S. action that worsens these conditions is unacceptable. FL NOW denounces all war.”
Women and Children Bear the Greatest Burden
FL NOW emphasizes that women and children are disproportionately harmed in conflict zones. In Venezuela, this includes:
- Increased gender‑based violence and exploitation
- Severe shortages of maternal health care and contraception
- Rising child malnutrition and preventable deaths
- Dangerous migration routes for families fleeing violence
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that escalatory actions — including militarized interventions, sanctions that restrict access to food and medicine, and support for armed confrontations — worsen these conditions.
FL NOW Calls for a Feminist, Humanitarian Approach
FL NOW urges the United States government to:
- Cease all actions that escalate violence.
- Support diplomatic, multilateral solutions grounded in international law and regional cooperation.
- Prioritize human rights, democratic processes, and the safety of all members of society.
- Leave Venezuelan resources, infrastructure, and organizations in the hands of the Venezuelan people.
- Ensure that U.S. policy does not endanger women, LGBTQ+ people, or marginalized communities who are already targeted by state and non‑state actors.
- Expand humanitarian access, including food, medicine, reproductive health care, and protections for women and girls.
Solidarity With Venezuelan Women
FL NOW stands in solidarity with Venezuelan women and children, human rights defenders, and community organizers who continue to advocate for democracy, bodily autonomy, and safety despite immense danger.
“We will not tolerate starting a war, kidnapping another country’s leader, or taking over a nation — Trump said he will “run Venezuela” and that Cuba may be next. We expect Congress to act decisively against this aggressive imperialism, colonialism,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “Women are often the first to suffer from political violence and the least heard in peace negotiations. We call on the United States to prioritize diplomacy over escalation, immediately cease attacks on Venezuela, release the Venezuelan President and his wife, and ensure the voices of Venezuelan women are at the center of any future steps forward.”
Members of Congress have warned that if Trump launched an unauthorized attack on Venezuela, they would move to invoke War Powers. Public pressure right now is critical to force Congress to act and to stop this escalation before it spirals into a full-scale war.
Tell your members of Congress to oppose war in Venezuela repeatedly! U.S. Capitol switchboard: 202 224-3121.
About Florida NOW
The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) is the state’s largest feminist advocacy organization, dedicated to advancing gender justice, racial equity, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and the safety and dignity of all women and families.
Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org