Sen. Graham Discusses Trump’s Plans for Military Action in Venezuela
Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina indicated that President Donald Trump is considering a ground operation in Venezuela as part of his initiative against drug trafficking. He also mentioned plans to update lawmakers on military actions in the Caribbean.
Trump has justified the multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels by stating they are intended to intimidate traffickers and cartels. However, there’s been growing bipartisan concern among legislators regarding the need for more oversight and justification for these military actions.
In an interview with CBS News, Graham explained that Trump would provide a briefing for Congress upon returning from his trip to Asia. He noted, “President Trump told me yesterday that he plans to update Congress about potential military actions against Venezuela and Colombia.” Graham supported the idea but implied that Trump already has the authority needed for such operations.
Concerns Over Military Involvement in Venezuela
Graham stated that Trump seems willing to accept Nicolás Maduro’s presidency in the short term. When asked if a governmental change was imminent, he affirmed this sentiment. “I think President Trump recognizes that Maduro, who is implicated in drug trafficking, needs to be removed, as both Venezuela and Colombia have long served as havens for narco-terrorists,” Graham added.
The Trump administration has declared it does not acknowledge Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, calling him the figurehead of a drug cartel. Recently, the administration even increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, labeling him as “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers.”
Rising Tensions and Responses
For several weeks, Trump has hinted at the possibility of ground operations in Venezuela, and on Friday, the Pentagon announced that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford would deploy to the area. In response, Maduro accused Trump of “fabricating a new forever war.” He remarked on state television, “They promised never to escalate military involvement again but are instead creating a conflict.”
When approached for comment by Fox News Digital, the White House did not confirm if Trump would specifically brief lawmakers. Nevertheless, there have reportedly been seven classified briefings provided to Congress regarding the situation since early September.
The administration has appeared somewhat noncommittal about efforts to unseat Maduro. Earlier this month, Trump sidestepped a question about whether the CIA was authorized to remove him. Lawmakers, including both Democrats and some Republicans, have voiced their concerns over the military strikes. Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, along with Representative Rand Paul, introduced a resolution aimed at preventing the U.S. military from undertaking any “hostile acts” in Venezuela.
Schiff stated, “The Trump administration has signaled potential military actions inside Venezuela and will continue targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean.” He expressed worry over recent developments that challenge the notion that U.S. involvement is merely about stopping drug smuggling. “Congress has not authorized force against Venezuela, and we must exercise our authority to avoid stumbling into a broader conflict in South America,” he emphasized.
Trump has downplayed legislative concerns over the airstrikes’ legality, describing the vessels in question as “fair competition” because they are “carrying drugs.”
