Interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation," Jan. 4, 2026

Host Margaret Brennan welcomed viewers back to the program, addressing some technical difficulties that interrupted Congressman Himes' segment. She assured that no such issues would occur as she prepared to speak with in-studio guest, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Senator Van Hollen greeted Margaret warmly, expressing his pleasure to join her in the studio. Margaret brought up a matter concerning how information isn't being properly communicated to oversight officials like Congressman Himes. She queried what tactics Democrats could employ to compel the administration to regard Congress as an equal governing body.

Senator Van Hollen remarked that it's challenging to make progress with congressional Republicans remaining passive and supportive of President Trump, allowing him unfettered authority due to their majorities in the House and Senate. He stressed that Democrats need to directly inform the public that, in his opinion, the Trump administration has been dishonest, using drug intervention as a cover to oust Maduro and seize Venezuela's oil for corporate profit and Trump's allies.

Brennan noted the frequent mention of oil in Trump's recent speeches, and how similar nations like China and Russia exploit resources for self-benefit. She sought Van Hollen's thoughts on these parallels.

Van Hollen argued against using military force to claim a nation’s resources. He analyzed the situation, pondering whether it constitutes an invasion, noting conflicting statements about troop presence.

The senator stated that American troops were indeed deployed, with the main motive being control over Venezuelan oil. He criticized Trump for risking American lives to enhance oil companies' profits, underlining inconsistencies in Trump's opposition to Middle Eastern conflicts.

Margaret turned the spotlight on Venezuela's other valuable resources, questioning how the U.S. could secure essential minerals without compromising its ethical standing.

Van Hollen expressed concern that the U.S. has relinquished energy market dominance to China, particularly in areas like clean energy. Emphasizing his stance against putting Americans in harm’s way for corporate gain, he pointed out Chevron’s ongoing activities in Venezuela and the detained Americans' situation, which he said complicates diplomatic efforts.

Margaret asked if the administration's approach might lead to Venezuela being labeled as a hostage-taking state, prompting Van Hollen to suggest that the U.S. should classify the seized Americans as wrongfully detained and exert pressure through sanctions. He opposed military actions for regime change, citing historical failures.

Margaret quoted former officials saying that comprehensive actions against Venezuelan leaders were intended, seeking Van Hollen's stance on such operations. The senator objected to endangering American soldiers unnecessarily and reiterated that motivations were about oil acquisition.

The conversation shifted to presidential powers, with Van Hollen asserting that Trump was overstepping legal boundaries. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Van Hollen detailed his efforts to block funding for military operations in Venezuela, noting Republican resistance but vowing to continue seeking legislative support.

The interview concluded with Brennan expressing gratitude to Van Hollen for his insights and indicating broader discussions were necessary for future episodes.