Representative Scott Perry (R-PA) defended the actions taken by the Trump administration in the Caribbean, expressing concerns that Venezuela is becoming a puppet state for Russia and speculating that they might engage in drug exchanges with the United States.
“One of the major worries is that Venezuela seems to be under Russian influence, especially considering Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict,” he remarked during an interview. He went on to suggest that some South American countries appear ready to engage in proxy conflicts with the U.S. in the region.
“From this viewpoint, it’s quite alarming,” he continued. “While we certainly don’t want to end up in direct conflict with Russia, we also have a duty to safeguard our citizens.”
Perry mentioned that Russia is reportedly using Venezuela to transport significant amounts of fentanyl and other drugs, leading to countless fatalities in the U.S.
“These actions can be deemed acts of war, and we can’t support them—our goal is to halt this at the border,” he asserted. “They shouldn’t be sending these substances here in the first place.”
“It’s crucial for them to understand that America defends its borders,” Perry stated. “We won’t tolerate this behavior, and we will take action against it.”
This discussion follows a recent U.S. military operation in the Caribbean targeting what were identified as “drug ships.” President Trump noted that this operation resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan group labeled as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses issued a warning to other drug cartels after the military strike, stating, “We have air and water assets currently deployed. This mission is serious and deadly for us, and it won’t end with just this strike.” He emphasized that any other trafficking operations in those waters would face similar consequences as those labeled narcoterrorists, highlighting the importance of protecting American interests.
In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed that his country is well-prepared to defend against what he called “luxurious, unjust, immoral, and violent threats.”
On Thursday, the Pentagon reported the sighting of two Venezuelan aircraft near a U.S. Navy ship, describing it as a “provocative move.” The Trump administration has decided to send 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to assist in combating drug cartels.
“We strongly advise cartels operating out of Venezuela to refrain from any attempts to disrupt or obstruct anti-drug and counterterrorism operations led by the U.S. military,” officials warned.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jennifer Gonzalez Colon (R) expressed support for the increased military presence in the region.
