Lawmakers React To Trump’s Military Move
A dramatic international standoff erupted this week after U.S. forces, under President Trump’s direction, seized a massive Venezuelan oil tanker tied to an illicit trafficking network. The operation — carried out by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Coast Guard, and the Pentagon — targeted oil linked to both Venezuela and Iran, two of the world’s most hostile anti-American regimes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the tanker was secretly transporting sanctioned oil tied to foreign terrorist organizations — the latest example of how socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro keeps fueling instability in the Western Hemisphere.
Rand Paul Warns: “This Sounds Like the Beginning of a War”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) raised concerns that the seizure could escalate into a larger conflict if Maduro lashes out. Paul, long skeptical of foreign entanglements, told NewsNation the action “sounds a lot like the beginning of a war” and argued the United States should avoid being pulled into another international confrontation.
Even Democrat Sen. Chris Coons (D-Conn.) echoed the warning, saying he is “gravely concerned” that the situation could spiral, especially if Maduro decides to retaliate.
GOP Senators Seek Details — Others Say It’s Time to Stand Up to Maduro
Several Republican senators — including Josh Hawley (Mo.), Jon Husted (Ohio), and Roger Marshall (Kan.) — said they are awaiting additional briefings.
But Marshall emphasized that America cannot ignore the criminal networks operating inside Venezuela, saying the country is “run by a drug cartel” and must be confronted.
Last month, the State Department formally designated Cartel de los Soles — tied directly to Maduro — as a foreign terrorist organization.
Trump Intensifies the Crackdown on Drug-Trafficking Networks
President Trump has taken unprecedented action to stop the flow of narcotics into the United States. Since early September, the administration has launched 22 precision strikes against cartel-connected vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, eliminating at least 87 traffickers.
The Pentagon has also increased its presence throughout U.S. Southern Command, deploying warships, Marines, fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and intelligence assets. Trump confirmed in October that he authorized the CIA to carry out additional operations inside Venezuela, signaling that the regime’s days may be numbered.
Ted Cruz Praises Trump: “He’s Saving American Lives”
Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) applauded the tanker seizure, saying it sends a strong message to narco-traffickers worldwide:
“If you’re thinking about loading a speedboat with cocaine, you’re having second thoughts right now. President Trump is saving American lives.”
Cruz argued that Maduro’s drug networks are poisoning American communities, and that Trump is doing what previous administrations failed to do — stopping the deadly flow at the source.
Democrats Push War Powers Resolution to Block Trump
Despite the threats posed by the Maduro regime, several Democrats — along with Sen. Rand Paul — introduced a War Powers Resolution intended to restrict Trump’s ability to respond militarily without congressional approval.
Paul reiterated that if conflict becomes necessary, “the president should come to Congress and request a declaration of war, as the Constitution requires.”
Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) said she is “of course” worried about a broader conflict and raised “legal concerns” about the administration’s actions.
