Senate Clash Over Foreign Policy
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth from Illinois engaged in a tense exchange regarding the Trump administration’s foreign policy, particularly concerning Venezuela.
During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing about Venezuela, Rubio addressed recent actions, including strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats and the capture of dictator Nicolas Maduro. Duckworth didn’t hold back, raising a series of questions that ranged from the U.S.’s current state of war to allegations of torture.
“Secretary, are we currently at war with Venezuela?” Duckworth inquired. Rubio responded directly, stating, “No, Venezuela is not at war.”
Duckworth then brought up the Alien Enemies Act, stating, “The Supreme Court has ruled that this is a wartime power, and it has mainly been invoked during significant conflicts like the War of 1812 and World Wars I and II, leading to the internment of many innocent civilians. Are you suggesting that the president should have the authority to enforce internment laws?”
In relation to foreign threats, President Trump has indicated that beginning in January 2025, the Mexican drug cartel, the Venezuelan prison gang Torren de Aragua, and the Salvadoran gang MS-13 will be classified as foreign terrorist organizations. This classification may expedite deportations of TdA members.
Rubio attempted to clarify, stating, “Let me be clear. The president was referring to gangs and drug-trafficking groups that pose a real threat to America. These organizations, like Torren de Aragua, are indeed waging a war against our nation, engaging in serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking.”
Duckworth quickly followed up, asking, “Who did we torture?” to which Rubio replied, “We haven’t tortured anyone. We arrest gang members and deport them.”
She pressed further about whether Rubio would recommend President Trump abolish the Alien Enemy Act, asserting that many deported individuals were legally allowed to stay in the U.S. Rubio responded, “You’re discussing the domestic applications of the law, which is better suited for the Department of Justice. The U.S. is definitely addressing the threats posed by terrorist and criminal organizations in our hemisphere that risk national security.” He emphasized the seriousness of gangs contributing to the fentanyl and cocaine crisis, saying that any belief they don’t pose a threat is simply unrealistic.
Duckworth contended that Trump was prepared to deploy troops to Venezuela, a claim Rubio countered, reminding her that any president has the right to protect the U.S. from imminent threats. “Every president has that authority. For example, if an Iranian drone threatens the U.S. from Venezuela, we would act,” Rubio stated. “However, we hope it doesn’t come to that. I don’t believe we are heading in that direction, and that’s a fact.”
