Republicans' loyalty to Trump tested by second boat strike

Republicans have mostly aligned with President Donald Trumps initiative to eliminate suspected drug traffickers near Latin American waters. However, recent reports of potential war crimes are starting to strain that cohesion.

GOP members had supported Trump through several legally questionable strikes against suspected drug boats, which also heightened tensions with Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. Yet now, senior Republicans are calling for an investigation into a second strike in September that killed survivors from the first attack.

Even some of Trumps closest allies, while reluctant to endorse a prolonged probe, are questioning the justification for these operations. If the facts are as reported, someone needs to leave Washington immediately, said Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) regarding the second strike.

Frustration escalated following a Washington Post article revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly issued a verbal order to kill everyone on board. The White House acknowledged the second strike but largely attributed responsibility to the operations military commander, Admiral Frank Bradley. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Bradley acted within his legal authority.

The Senate and House Armed Services committees have pledged an investigation into the second strike, which targeted suspected traffickers clinging to a sinking boat. Even the presidents staunchest supporters now consider it illegal to attack someone in the water, said Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

Some Republicans who rarely oppose Trump admit the legal concerns are serious. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) promised a thorough review, seeking videos and orders tied to the operation. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said both committees will conduct oversight given the gravity of the allegations. We need all the facts before taking any steps, added Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

Admiral Bradley is scheduled to meet with the leaders of the Armed Services panels on Thursday, though it remains unclear whether Defense Secretary Hegseth will attend publicly or privately. Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) emphasized that the meeting will clarify operational decisions and chain-of-command responsibilities.

However, Republican unity over a full investigation is far from solid. Some of Trumps defenders argue that reporting on the incident plays into critics hands. This is just another attempt to undermine Pete Hegseth, said Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.). Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) praised the administrations decisive measures against drug trafficking and opposed additional oversight.

Democrats remain skeptical that a Republican-led Congress will hold the administration accountable. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned that making Admiral Bradley a scapegoat could undermine military professionalism, signaling that service members may face blame for political decisions.

During a Cabinet meeting, Hegseth defended the second strike, citing the fog of war and claiming he did not see survivors before ordering the attack. He maintained that Admiral Bradley made the correct call to neutralize the threat. House Armed Services ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) condemned this justification, stating the incident involved no immediate threat.

Republicans may face further tests of unity regarding Venezuela. Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kaine (D-Va.), Schiff (D-Calif.), and Paul (R-Ky.) threatened to force a vote to prevent unauthorized military action in Venezuela. Previous efforts to require congressional approval for future strikes on drug vessels failed, though Senator Kaine suggested the political landscape is shifting, with growing concern among Republicans about the legality and strategy of these operations.

Reporters Alex Gangitano and Paul McLeary contributed to this article.

Author: Sophia Brooks