President Donald Trump is poised to brief Congress on expanding U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, potentially including land strikes against Venezuela as part of his broader campaign against drug trafficking, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham. Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, confirmed that Trump will provide lawmakers with details about potential future military actions against Venezuela and Colombia during his return from an Asia trip. Graham supports the move but emphasizes that Trump has the necessary authority for these operations.
The Trump administration has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as an indicted drug traffiker and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest, highlighting the administration’s stance on drug-related activities in the region. However, Maduro has accused Trump of fabricating a new eternal war, stating that the U.S. is fabricating a war and violating past commitments to avoid involvement in conflicts.
Lawmakers, including some Republicans, are seeking answers on the strikes. For example, Sens. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., introduced a war powers resolution that would bar U.S. armed forces from engaging in ‘hostilities’ against Venezuela. Schiff argued that the administration’s claims about the strikes being solely about drug smuggling are increasingly questionable and that Congress must assert its authority to prevent the U.S. from being pulled into a full-fledged war in South America.
Trump has dismissed lawmakers’ concerns about the legality of the strikes, stating on Oct. 14 that the alleged drug vessels are ‘fair game’ because they are ‘loaded up with drugs.’ The White House did not confirm or deny Trump’s plans for a congressional briefing, but a senior administration official told Fox News Digital that the administration has provided Congress with seven separate classified briefings since early September on the matter.
This situation reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and Congress over military actions, with the administration pushing for expanded operations while lawmakers seek greater oversight and legal clarity. The potential for land strikes against Venezuela could have significant implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability.