On Sunday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham mentioned that President Trump intends to brief Congress on potential military actions in Latin America, particularly discussing the idea of transitioning attacks on Venezuela from sea to land.
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Graham characterized a potential ground offensive as a “realistic possibility.” He noted that Trump would inform lawmakers about these potential operations upon his return from Asia later this week.
“There will be briefings in Parliament about the possibility of expansion from sea to land. I support that idea, but this is what I think,” Graham said, adding that Trump possesses all necessary authority.
The president has authorized several airstrikes in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 43 individuals.
The administration claimed, without providing public evidence, that a targeted vessel was involved in smuggling fentanyl, according to Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). However, evidence presented on Sunday showed there were drugs on the boat, but not fentanyl.
In addition, Trump has approved CIA operations in Venezuela, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dispatched an aircraft carrier and its strike group to South America last week. This action has escalated tensions with Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro.
When asked about whether the U.S.’s actions could lead to regime change in Venezuela, Graham expressed hope for a peaceful resolution but doubted Maduro could remain in power for long.
The Hill reached out to the White House and the Pentagon for confirmation about the upcoming meeting.
In reaction to the airstrikes, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. of murder, prompting Trump to cut security aid to Colombia and impose personal sanctions on Petro.
These actions have sparked criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans in Congress. According to Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war, although recent presidents have launched military actions abroad without prior legislative notification.
Earlier this month, Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) reintroduced a resolution to block the military strike. A previous version of the bill failed in the Senate the week before by a narrow 51-48 vote, with only Paul and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski representing Republicans in favor, while Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman was the sole Democrat opposed.
