President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that he can authorize military strikes against alleged drug traffickers without a formal declaration of war from Congress, emphasizing a hardline approach to combating drug smuggling. His comments come amid ongoing U.S. operations targeting drug boats and escalating tensions with Venezuela, raising concerns about executive power and congressional oversight.
Trump made these remarks during a press interaction, where he explicitly dismissed the need for congressional approval for such actions. He stated, “I’m not going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war,” and outlined plans to target individuals deemed cartel members in countries like Venezuela, in addition to continuing strikes on alleged drug boats in international waters. The president indicated he would notify Congress before any land-based operations but expected little pushback, except from what he referred to as “radical left lunatics.”
The lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and east Pacific have unnerved some lawmakers, who question the evidence presented by the administration to justify targeting so-called narco-terrorists. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the operations, insisting that the military confirms each targeted boat is involved in drug trafficking. He compared the handling of survivors to practices in past conflicts, stating that returning them to their home countries after medical treatment is standard procedure.
In a related development, a U.S. B-1 Lancer bomber was tracked flying near the coast of Venezuela on Thursday, with open-source flight data showing it entered Venezuela’s flight information region. Trump denied any knowledge of the mission, calling reports inaccurate, but acknowledged ongoing disputes with Venezuela over drug trafficking and immigration. The aircraft’s presence heightened fears of military escalation, though it was unclear if it violated Venezuelan airspace.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has responded by claiming his country possesses thousands of Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles deployed in key positions. This announcement comes as the U.S. has deployed warships to the Caribbean, described by Washington as part of a counter-drug trafficking campaign but viewed by Caracas as a potential cover for regime change. The missiles are short-range systems capable of targeting low-flying aircraft, drones, or cruise missiles.
The situation underscores broader geopolitical strains and debates over the limits of presidential authority in military engagements. Trump’s assertion of power to conduct strikes without congressional declaration could set a precedent for future actions against non-state actors, potentially bypassing traditional checks and balances. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and evidence in these operations.
As the administration continues its campaign, the international community is closely monitoring the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability. The ongoing tensions could lead to further diplomatic friction or even conflict, depending on how both nations navigate the escalating rhetoric and military posturing.
Moving forward, the focus will likely shift to congressional responses and potential legal challenges to the administration’s approach, as well as the impact on drug trafficking patterns and bilateral relations with other countries in the region.