Sen. Rand Paul Questions Legality of Military Action Against Drug Traffickers

On Tuesday, during an appearance on FNC’s “Will Cain Show,” Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the Trump administration possibly initiating a military strike against a Venezuelan ship suspected of drug trafficking, especially without proper legal procedures.

Paul noted, “If this is a new policy, keep in mind there are many ships currently around Miami. These vessels will be stopped, boarded, and searched. Some of them do carry drugs. This situation leads to thousands of deaths.”

In response, Cain remarked, “It seems like you’re addressing American lives here, on U.S. soil, and perhaps drawing parallels to that.”

Paul countered, stating, “No, we’re referencing ships away from Miami. We’re talking about boats speeding towards Miami, which we’re just—what? Blowing up? If that’s the stance, it’s quite concerning.”

He further questioned, “The outboard boats were 2,700 miles away. How can we confirm they were heading to the U.S.? They could just as easily be selling drugs to Trinidad. Is that our responsibility?”

Cain acknowledged, “Well, we are indeed the primary destination for a significant portion of drugs coming from Central and South America.”

Paul then challenged that notion, saying, “Don’t you think people in the Caribbean use drugs too? What if they sell drugs in Trinidad? Are we now acting as police in Trinidad? Are we going to target every boat? That’s just absurd.”

Cain expressed appreciation for Paul’s commitment to limited government and the Constitution, noting, “I think we need to recognize that these groups are labeled as foreign terrorist organizations and are importing substances that are responsible for tens of thousands of American deaths.”

Paul reiterated, “But that authority hasn’t come from Congress; it’s solely from the President. According to the Constitution, it’s Congress that must declare war.”