Bipartisan concern is mounting in Congress over President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize military strikes on suspected drug cartel boats in the Caribbean and East Pacific without congressional approval.
The strikes, carried out over recent months, have triggered debate over the legality and transparency of the operations.
Senators Raise Constitutional Concerns
Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized the lack of evidence justifying the attacks, calling them “extrajudicial killings.”
“So far, they have alleged that these people are drug dealers. No one said their name. No one said what evidence. No one said whether they’re armed,” Paul said.
“This is akin to what China does, to what Iran does with drug dealers. They summarily execute people without presenting evidence to the public. So, it’s wrong.”
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) agreed, stating that Congress must debate and vote on any act of war.
Administration Defends Authority
Trump dismissed calls for authorization, saying he may “go to Congress and tell them about it” but doesn’t see the need for approval.
Republican ally Lindsey Graham defended Trump’s actions, asserting the president has authority as commander-in-chief to use force without a formal declaration of war.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The operations have included CIA activity in Venezuela and the deployment of an aircraft carrier to South America, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said the White House failed to provide clear legal justification for the strikes and that “the evidence does not back up the story.”
Democrat Ruben Gallego went further, calling the strikes “sanctioned murder.”
As debate intensifies, lawmakers from both parties are seeking more transparency and accountability over U.S. military actions abroad.
