On November 5, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with key congressional leaders to discuss President Trump’s recent military strikes targeting drug boats. These strikes have raised significant concerns about legality, as many legal experts argue they lack proper authorization from Congress.
The strikes, which started in September, have resulted in at least 66 deaths across 16 operations in the Caribbean and Pacific. Following Trump’s approval of covert actions in Venezuela, a surge of U.S. naval forces was deployed to the region, including the USS Gerald Ford, which comprises 20% of the Navy’s active ships.
Critics of the administration, including members of Congress from both parties, have voiced worries about transparency. Recently, local media noted a pattern where briefings have often included only Republicans. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat, has expressed outrage over this exclusion, arguing it’s damaging to national security and democracy. “This is corrosive not only to our democracy but downright dangerous for our national security,” he stated.
In response to the growing discord, the White House claims they are cooperating with Congress. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed out that the briefing was just one of nine occasions where lawmakers have been updated on the operations against drug traffickers.
Additionally, a small bipartisan group is preparing to introduce a war powers resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to engage in military actions in Venezuela. Senators Tim Kaine, Rand Paul, and Adam Schiff are advocating for this resolution, reminding everyone that the Constitution reserves the right to declare war for Congress, not the President.
Recently, there has been mounting public concern regarding the U.S. military’s role in international conflicts. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 60% of Americans believe Congress should have a significant role in decisions about military action. This statistic reinforces the importance of legislative oversight in military operations.
As this situation progresses, it will be interesting to observe how Congress approaches military actions and whether they will attempt to reclaim their constitutional authority amid ongoing debates about executive power. User reactions on social media also show a divide, with some supporting increased military presence against drug trafficking, while others urge caution and prioritize diplomatic efforts.
The growing tension around military strikes and congressional oversight reflects broader concerns regarding government transparency. As new developments unfold, the dialogue between lawmakers and the administration will be crucial in shaping the future of U.S. foreign military engagements.
