Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) revealed that President Donald Trump is considering a ground attack on Venezuela as part of his anti-drug initiatives. He mentioned that Trump plans to update lawmakers about potential military actions in the Caribbean once he returns from his trip to Asia on Thursday.
Trump has stated that the numerous airstrikes targeting suspected drug ships aim to “alarm” traffickers and cartels. However, lawmakers from both parties are demanding greater oversight and documentation to ensure the legality of these operations.
During a CBS News interview on Sunday, Graham indicated that Trump would discuss possible future military operations against Venezuela and Colombia. “There will be a briefing in Congress about the possibility of expansion from sea to land. I support that idea, but I think he has all the powers he needs,” Graham expressed.
Graham also commented on the situation in Venezuela, asserting that Trump believes it might be time for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down. “I think with the indictment of Maduro as a drug trafficker, President Trump decided it was time to step down,” Graham stated, emphasizing that both Venezuela and Colombia have been too long safe havens for drug-related terrorism.
The Trump administration does not recognize Maduro as the rightful leader and has placed a $50 million bounty on him, labeling him as “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers.” Notably, President Trump has mentioned for weeks his contemplation of ground operations, and the Pentagon has recently announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the area.
In response, Maduro accused Trump of “fabricating a new forever war,” challenging the assurances that the U.S. would avoid additional conflict.
The White House has remained vague regarding Trump’s planned briefing for Congress, but senior officials have informed lawmakers through multiple classified briefings since early September. Meanwhile, some lawmakers, including Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), have voiced their concerns. They argue that Congress must reaffirm its authority to prevent a potential military escalation in South America.
“The Trump administration has made clear that it may launch military action within Venezuela’s borders and will not stop attacking boats in the Caribbean,” Schiff remarked.
While Trump brushed aside legislative officials’ concerns regarding the legality of the airstrikes, he referred to the actions against the drug vessels as “fair competition.” It seems, whether or not Congress is on board, the situation continues to evolve and complicate further.
