Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has thrown his weight behind President Donald Trump's military maneuvers in the Caribbean, signaling support for possible land strikes against Venezuela.
As reported by Fox News, Trump plans to brief lawmakers on these operations and potential expansions to land campaigns targeting Venezuela and Colombia once he returns from Asia on Thursday.
Graham, speaking on "CBS News Sunday Morning," affirmed that Trump has the necessary authority to act, even as bipartisan voices in Congress demand more oversight and legal justification for the strikes.
Trump's Drug War Moves to Land
Trump's administration has already launched at least 10 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, claiming these actions warn traffickers and cartels to stand down. Graham echoed this hardline stance, suggesting a broader strategy is unfolding.
The president, according to Graham, will update Congress on plans to escalate from sea to land operations, a shift that could redefine U.S. involvement in the region. "I think he has all the authority he needs," Graham insisted, brushing aside concerns about overreach.
That confidence might not sit well with everyone, especially when the specter of unchecked power looms large. If drug interdiction is the goal, transparency on the scope and legality of these actions shouldn't be a tough ask.
Maduro in the Crosshairs
Graham also revealed Trump's intent to push for the ouster of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, labeled by the administration as an indicted drug trafficker. The senator didn't mince words, stating, "It's time for him to go."
The U.S. has long refused to recognize Maduro as a legitimate leader, instead branding him a cartel boss, with a $50 million reward for his arrest announced in August. Trump's resolve seems clear, even if details on regime change remain murky.
Yet, Maduro isn't sitting quietly; he fired back on Friday, accusing Trump of "fabricating a new eternal war" in a national broadcast. His defiance raises the stakes, and one wonders if rhetoric alone will deter Washington's plans.
Lawmakers Push Back on Strikes
Not all in Congress are on board with Trump's aggressive posture, as bipartisan senators like Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., have introduced a resolution to block hostilities against Venezuela. Schiff warned on Oct. 17 that "Congress has not authorized military force against Venezuela," urging restraint to avoid a deeper conflict.
Their concern stems from recent military movements, including the Pentagon's deployment of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to the region on Friday. Such actions, Schiff argued, undermine claims that this is just about stopping smugglers.
It's a fair point when the line between drug enforcement and full-scale intervention blurs so easily. If the administration has evidence to justify this escalation, sharing it with Congress isn't just protocol, it's a duty.
Weighing Power and Accountability
Trump has dismissed legal challenges to the strikes, declaring on Oct. 14 that alleged drug vessels are "fair game" due to their cargo. His administration has provided seven classified briefings to Congress since early September, per a senior official, though public details remain scarce.
Meanwhile, lawmakers across the spectrum seek clarity on whether these operations risk dragging the U.S. into unintended warfare. The tension between executive action and legislative oversight is palpable, and resolution won't come easy.
Ultimately, the balance of power demands scrutiny, especially when military might is wielded so close to sovereign borders. If Trump's crusade against narco-terrorism is to hold water, it must stand up to the light of accountability, not just the heat of rhetoric.
