Trump Rejects Need for War Declaration Amid Military Actions

President Trump, on Thursday, indicated that he doesn’t see a requirement to seek Congressional approval for a declaration of war while the U.S. military targets vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific.

“I don’t necessarily think we need to seek a declaration of war,” Trump remarked to the press. “I think we’re just going to kill the people who are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We’re going to kill them.”

Since September, Trump has sanctioned various strikes on suspected drug vessels off Venezuela’s coast, claiming that at least 32 individuals have been killed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted on Wednesday that five so-called “narco-terrorists” were eliminated during recent operations targeting two suspected drug trafficking ships in the Eastern Pacific.

However, the government hasn’t provided concrete evidence to substantiate its claims about drug smuggling.

Additionally, Trump acknowledged last week that he has permitted the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela, as his administration boosts military presence in the area with naval deployments and Marines. This strategy appears to be part of efforts to exert pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime.

On Wednesday, the president mentioned the possibility of approaching Congress for authorization to engage cartel members suspected of land-based drug trafficking.

Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution assigns Congress the exclusive authority to declare war. Nonetheless, past presidents like George W. Bush, Obama, and Biden have circumvented Congress to authorize drone strikes against perceived threats, with both Obama and Trump overseeing numerous strikes during their first terms.

The recent military actions have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who argue that the administration should seek Congressional approval before pursuing strikes.

“We will probably go back to Congress and explain exactly what we are doing and when. [they] Come on land,” Trump told reporters while seated next to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Earlier in the month, a resolution to halt the strikes, proposed by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff (California) and Tim Kaine (Virginia), was rejected in a 48-51 vote. Paul and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the only Republicans supporting the measure, while the lone Democratic opponent was John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.