In a high-level briefing on Wednesday, top Trump administration officials provided congressional leaders with insights into the escalating military campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in South American waters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a secure Capitol facility, outlining the legal rationale and strategic framework behind the operation, which has resulted in at least 66 deaths across 16 strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. While Republicans largely expressed confidence in President Donald Trump’s initiative, Democrats raised concerns over the lack of transparency and legal justification, arguing that the strikes may violate international and U.S. law. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called for a broader briefing, stating, ‘What we heard isn’t enough. We need a lot more answers.’ The briefing preceded a Senate vote on a resolution requiring congressional approval for any direct strikes on Venezuela. Critics argue that the administration has bypassed Congress by classifying drug cartel members as ‘unlawful combatants’ akin to terrorists, justifying lethal action without legislative oversight. Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s naval buildup in the region has fueled speculation of a potential invasion of Venezuela, aimed at ousting President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. Lawmakers reviewed a 40-page classified legal opinion from the Justice Department, but Democrats like Sen. Tim Kaine criticized it as flawed, particularly for its lack of specific rationale regarding Venezuela. The debate underscores growing tensions between Congress and the administration over war powers and the broader strategy in South America.
Hegseth and Rubio share classified details on boat strikes with congressional leaders
