Republican Accuses Trump Of Starting ‘Fake War’
Sen. Rand Paul is raising major constitutional red flags over President Donald Trump’s decision to officially label a powerful Venezuelan drug cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) — a move Paul says could quietly expand federal war authorities without Congress ever voting.
Appearing on CBS News’ Face the Nation, the Kentucky Republican warned that designating the “Cartel de los Soles,” a criminal network controlled by socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, could give federal agencies unprecedented military latitude.
“They’re acting like we’re at war,” Paul said. “And once you claim wartime powers, the rules of engagement loosen — dramatically.”
The designation becomes official Monday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Maduro-linked cartel has fueled “terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere,” putting American security and stability at risk.
Paul: This Is Not How America Declares War
Paul — known for his strong stance against endless foreign interventions — said the administration is crossing a dangerous line by applying wartime authority to anti-drug operations.
He pointed out that about one in four boats intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard turn out not to be carrying drugs.
“It would be illegal for the Coast Guard to start sinking boats,” Paul said.
“Yet officials keep talking as if we’re already in a warzone off Venezuela’s coast.”
Paul and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pushed the administration to formally request a congressional declaration of war if officials truly believe Venezuela constitutes a combat environment.
“The administration refused,” Paul said. “They want the authority without the accountability.”
Transparency Concerns Mount
Paul also revealed that he has been excluded from classified briefings on the new policy — despite sitting on two major oversight committees.
Only “a few hand-picked individuals,” he said, have been briefed.
He warned that U.S. forces have detained suspected traffickers without gathering intelligence, questioning them, or securing evidence — and in some cases have released detainees to Colombia or Ecuador without learning anything about cartel operations.
“That’s not transparency. It’s a breakdown of the rule of law,” Paul warned.
Venezuela, Regime Change, and Internal GOP Fractures
Paul pointed to long-standing calls from some government officials to pursue regime change in Venezuela — singling out Rubio’s history of urging stronger action against Maduro.
He predicted that any escalation in Venezuela, paired with renewed calls for more Ukraine funding, would fracture the coalition that supports Trump.
“Many Americans backed President Trump because he promised to keep us out of unnecessary foreign wars,” Paul said.
For voters who want secure borders, lower taxes, and peace through strength, Paul warned that expanding military authority without debate is a dangerous precedent — one that could reshape U.S. foreign policy for years.
