Senator Rand Paul warned the president over unilateral strikes in the Caribbean, arguing such actions require congressional approval and due process.
Sen Rand Paul on Sunday criticised President Trump’s strikes in the Caribbean, arguing the president lacks authority to act without congressional approval. “They go against all of our tradition,” Mr. Paul said. “When you kill someone, you should know, if you’re not at war, not in a declared war, you really need to know someone’s name at least.”
“You have to accuse them of something. You have to present evidence. So all of these people have been blown up without us knowing their name, without any evidence of a crime,” he said. The administration carried out several strikes on boats, killing about 20 people; officials say they target cartel threats.
Lawmakers have questioned the constitutionality. On legality, Mr. Paul said, “No.” “It is the difference between war and peace,” he said. “It’s something that is not pretty, very expensive, and I’m not in favor of declaring war on Venezuela, but Congress should vote. The president shouldn’t do this by himself.”