Trump Defends Military Strikes Against Drug Traffickers
Former President Donald Trump has addressed the scrutiny surrounding recent U.S. military strikes targeting drug-trafficking operations in the Caribbean and Pacific. He confirmed that he directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to inform Congress about these actions, underscoring his commitment to combating what he describes as “narco-terrorists.”
“I actually told Marco and some of the people… I said, go to Congress and let them know we’re not letting drugs come through Mexico. We’re not letting them come through Venezuela,” Trump stated during a recent media appearance. His words caught attention for clarifying that he believes transparency with lawmakers is key, even if their formal approval is not legally required.
Reports indicate that over the last three months, there have been more than 20 military strikes in international waters off Venezuela’s coast and throughout the Caribbean. These operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 83 individuals linked to vessel operations run by groups labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including the Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles.
Trump emphasized his authority in these operations, declaring, “We don’t have to get their approval, but I think letting them know is good.” He expressed grave concerns about potential leaks of sensitive information that could jeopardize military personnel. “The only thing I don’t want them to do is leak information that’s very important and confidential and may put our military at risk,” he added.
U.S. officials maintain that these strikes form part of an “armed conflict” against terrorist organizations that facilitate drug trafficking into the country. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the initiative as an “effort to terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens.” Such language illustrates a focused stance on addressing narcotics as a national security issue.
However, rising congressional concern is palpable. Democrats, particularly on the Senate Armed Services Committee, have questioned the legal justification for the military actions, given they have not received formal authorization from Congress. In response, Senate Republicans recently dismissed a resolution that sought to impose increased oversight on further military actions in Latin America.
The military actions have garnered praise from some foreign policy advocates while drawing criticism from Latin American governments and human rights organizations. For instance, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. forces of mistakenly killing a Colombian fisherman not linked to drug trafficking. This incident illustrates the potential consequences of military action that may inadvertently affect civilian lives, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of targeted operations.
Since early September 2024, the military has released footage of the strikes, frequently shared on platforms such as Truth Social or X by Trump or Hegseth. The videos show explosions but offer limited context regarding the individuals involved or whether narcotics were present on board those vessels.
The designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization earlier this November has broadened the scope for military and financial actions against related entities. Rubio pointed out that Nicolás Maduro’s network has “corrupted Venezuela’s institutions” and is enabling terrorist violence across the region.
Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, who oversees the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Caribbean, stated, “We are executing lawful orders to interdict threats to the American people wherever they may emerge.” This deployment marks a significant naval presence in the Caribbean, reflecting the administration’s commitment to countering drug smuggling from South America.
Trump has reiterated the rationale for these military operations, highlighting the extreme violence associated with drug cartels. “These cartels torture, maim, mutilate and murder with impunity—and we are using the supreme power of the United States military to end this,” he said. While he remains firm against engaging in direct talks with Maduro, he acknowledged the possibility of discussions, stating, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed that operational intelligence was employed in deciding to strike certain vessels that allegedly altered their course or attempted to evade capture. “Our intelligence, without a doubt, confirmed these vessels were trafficking narcotics,” he noted. Yet, the administration has not released detailed information verifying the affiliations or actions leading to the fatalities.
There have been three survivors from the targeted vessels who have returned home, including Colombian Jeison Obando Pérez, who suffered severe injuries. His case has drawn scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and international observers concerned about collateral damage and due process violations.
In Venezuela, the government has accused the U.S. of engaging in “serial executions,” framing the military actions as a pretext for an undeclared war. In retaliation, the Maduro regime has mobilized over 200,000 security forces for air and naval exercises aimed at defending national sovereignty.
Despite the pressure, Trump remains unmoved in his approach. He regards the military efforts as critical to safeguarding America’s borders and addressing the drug crisis impacting citizens. “We’re stopping drug dealers and drugs from coming into our country,” he asserts. “We’re not letting them come through Mexico. We’re not letting them come through Venezuela.”
Legal experts continue to debate the authority under which the President can initiate repeated military actions in international waters without Congressional approval, even while citing anti-terrorism laws. The administration’s framing of the campaign under executive wartime powers emphasizes a perceived imminent threat to national security.
As the military campaign evolves, its repercussions on diplomatic relations, legal practices, and regional stability remain uncertain. What stands out is Trump’s dual strategy of sanctioning strikes while ensuring Congress is informed—while firmly requesting precautions against leaks that could undermine operational integrity.
“Go and see Congress, see the representatives that we’re supposed to be seeing, and be open about it,” Trump stated. “Just don’t leak.”
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