Legislators express approval for congressional oversight of Trump's military actions against boats

WASHINGTON On Sunday, lawmakers from both parties expressed support for congressional investigations into U.S. military actions against ships suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Their concerns follow a report suggesting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally ordered all crew members killed during a September 2 operation.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) stated that if the report is accurate, such an act could constitute a war crime. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) noted that Congress has no confirmation that a secondary strike against incapacitated individuals occurred. Both House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders have launched inquiries into the incident.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, returning from a Thanksgiving trip to Florida, confirmed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. The administration claims that recent strikes in the Caribbean target drug cartels, some allegedly linked to Maduro. Trump is also considering possible operations on the Venezuelan mainland. He refrained from providing details about the conversation, which was first reported by The New York Times.

Turner emphasized that while Congress is concerned about the strikes on drug-smuggling vessels, the alleged September 2 attack is not part of any prior discussions and remains under investigation. These statements coincide with the administrations intensified campaign against drug trafficking into the U.S.

Trump previously suggested that airspace around Venezuela should be considered closed, a statement that drew criticism from Maduro's government, which described it as a "colonial threat." Meanwhile, Hegseth dismissed the Post's report as fake news, asserting that current Caribbean operations comply with U.S. and international law.

The president said the administration will review the situation and reiterated that he would not have approved a second strike. Trump defended Hegseth, stating, Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, and I believe him.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced plans for thorough oversight to clarify the facts. Similarly, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), top members of the House Armed Services Committee, committed to ensuring rigorous review of Defense Department operations in the Caribbean. They emphasized a bipartisan effort to account for any follow-on strikes in the U.S. Southern Command area.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated that Hegseth should be allowed to explain his actions. Bacon expressed doubt that Hegseth would have intentionally ordered the killing of survivors, calling such a decision a clear violation of the law of war and contrary to common sense.

Author: Sophia Brooks