The Trump administration faces bipartisan and international backlash over deadly Caribbean strikes on alleged drug boats, with critics questioning their legality.
The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism after confirming that U.S. military strikes have sunk 10 suspected drug boats and killed 43 crew members in the Caribbean. The latest attack overnight Thursday killed six people aboard a vessel allegedly linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, which President Trump has labeled a terrorist organization.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation targeted groups involved in drug smuggling. But the United Nations has condemned the attacks as “extrajudicial executions,” while lawmakers from both parties have demanded a legal justification. Asked whether he would seek a declaration of war, Trump replied, “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, okay? We’re going to kill them.”
Critics, including Senator Chris Coons, argue the president is acting without congressional authorization. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to release the administration’s legal rationale, calling Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist.”