U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren, who has represented California’s 18th district since 1995, posted a series of tweets in early January 2026 addressing former President Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela, his record on crime and policing, and the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attack.
On January 3, Lofgren alleged that Trump acted without proper legal authority in relation to Venezuela: “Trump illegally attacked Venezuela without constitutionally required approval. Trump says it’s to take their oil and that his cabinet members will run the country.
Will any Republican members of the Senate or House finally stand up for the Constitution? Have they no shame?” (January 3, 2026).
Two days later, she criticized Trump’s approach to law enforcement and his pardons following the events of January 6: “Trump says he’s ‘pro-police’ and ‘tough on crime’, yet he unleashed 1,500+ criminals onto our streets, many of whom assaulted law enforcement on J6. Since Trump’s pardons, they’ve committed:
– Kidnapping
– Sexual assault
– Burglary
– Death threats against elected officials” (January 5, 2026).
On January 6, marking five years since the Capitol riot, Lofgren reflected on its significance: “January 6th is one of the darkest days in our country’s history. Let us never forget what led to that awful day 5 years ago, and let us never forget that democracy is fragile. It’s our duty as Americans to defend it from all enemies, foreign and domestic.” (January 6, 2026).
Lofgren has served continuously in Congress since succeeding Don Edwards in California’s 18th district in 1995. Before her tenure in Congress, she was a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors from 1981 to 1994. Born in San Mateo in 1947 and currently residing in San Jose at age seventy-five, Lofgren holds degrees from Stanford University (BA) and Santa Clara University School of Law (JD).
