A Prominent Republican Raises Concerns About Trump Boat Strikes: 'Members Are Very Concerned'

On Thursday, former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) expressed serious concerns regarding the Trump administrations actions against suspected drug traffickers during an interview on MS NOWs Morning Joe.

The discussion followed a question from host Joe Scarborough, who asked, What are the top questions you wish Pete Hegseth had addressed for the House and Senate Armed Services Committees?

Turner responded by highlighting worries shared among congressional members. Joe, considering the scenarios and outcomes weve been discussing, its understandable why Congress is closely examining these issues. The first matter revolves around the legal basis for these boat strikes and whether the legal opinion justifying them was valid. Members have raised concerns about both the reasoning behind the legal opinion and the operations conducted under it, he said.

He added that additional questions emerged about subsequent strikes, noting, These actions clearly fall under the law of war guidelines, yet they do not follow traditional rules of engagement. This isnt a typical battlefield situation like combating ISIS in Iraq or Afghanistan, which raises further apprehensions.

Turner emphasized the role of intelligence in these operations. A central concern is the quality and reliability of the intelligence. What do we really know about the individuals involved, their cargo, or the communications intercepted? Many members worry that the information guiding these strikes may not be accurate enough to fully understand whats happening in this area.

He concluded by underscoring the intensity of congressional concern: Members are very concerned about the circumstances and justification for these operations.

Author: Ethan Caldwell