The Trump administration’s recent decision to exclude Democrats from national security briefings has raised significant concerns about the politicization of military and intelligence operations. Virginia Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that such actions could endanger U.S. troops and withhold critical information from the public. Warner criticized the administration for breaking long-standing norms of bipartisan collaboration in national security matters, particularly after Democrats were excluded from a briefing on U.S. military strikes against drug-carrying boats off South America. These strikes, totaling 14 so far, have resulted in 61 deaths and have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties regarding their legal justification, as Congress has not authorized military action in the region. The administration has also deployed an unusually large naval force near Venezuela, fueling speculation about potential efforts to oust President Nicolás Maduro. Senate Republicans, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, acknowledged the need for bipartisan briefings but defended the administration’s approach, citing the politicized nature of the issue. Meanwhile, Warner and other Democrats have expressed frustration over the erosion of bipartisan traditions in national security decision-making. The Senate is expected to vote on a war powers resolution next week, which would prohibit military strikes near Venezuela without congressional approval. The resolution has garnered support from some Republicans, but concerns remain about the administration’s transparency and adherence to constitutional processes. The administration’s actions have also drawn criticism from House Democrats, who were excluded from a separate classified briefing on the strikes. The Pentagon’s decision to withdraw legal advisors from the briefing further exacerbated concerns about the lack of legal justification for the military actions. As tensions rise, lawmakers from both parties are calling for greater accountability and a return to bipartisan cooperation in national security matters.
Top Intel Democrat rips Trump administration over exclusion from boat strike briefing
