Lawmakers in the United States from both political parties expressed their support on Sunday for congressional evaluations of military attacks authorized by President Donald Trump on vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This came after a report claimed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had given a verbal order for all crew members to be killed during a September 2 operation, which Hegseth dismissed as “fake news.”
While some Republican lawmakers expressed skepticism about the report, they acknowledged the potential legal implications of targeting survivors following an initial missile strike. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia stated that if the allegations were true, it could constitute a war crime. Hegseth defended the operations, stating that they were conducted in accordance with U.S. and international laws under the supervision of legal experts.
President Trump addressed the issue on Sunday evening, stating that his administration would investigate the matter and emphasizing that he did not support a second strike. He also backed Hegseth, asserting that Hegseth had denied ordering the deaths of the crew members.
Republican Representative Mike Turner from Ohio raised concerns about the possibility of an illegal act if a follow-up strike targeted individuals who were no longer combat-ready. He mentioned ongoing investigations by the armed services committees in the House and Senate.
Lawmakers highlighted the need for congressional oversight amid the administration’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking into the United States. Recent statements by Trump on Venezuela, including the closure of airspace around the country, have further raised questions and tensions in the region.
The Senate armed services committee, led by Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Democrat Jack Reed of Rhode Island, pledged to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported military actions. The House armed services committee, chaired by Republican Mike Rogers of Alabama and Democrat Adam Smith of Washington, echoed this commitment to oversight.
As the controversy unfolds, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska emphasized the importance of allowing Hegseth to present his perspective before drawing conclusions. Trump confirmed having spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, amid reports of potential strikes on the country’s mainland.
While Trump refrained from disclosing details of the call with Maduro, discussions continue regarding the U.S. strategy towards Venezuela and the administration’s actions in the region. The Venezuelan government has not yet commented on the reported conversation between Trump and Maduro.
