Lawmakers Demand Urgent Inquiry into Trump’s Military Strikes

UPDATE: Lawmakers from both parties are calling for immediate congressional reviews of U.S. military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. This urgent demand follows a shocking report revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly issued a verbal order to kill all crew members during a September 2 attack.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., stated, “If true, this rises to the level of a war crime.” His statement underscores the gravity of the allegations as Congress grapples with the implications of these military actions. Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio echoed concerns about the legality of follow-up strikes aimed at survivors from initial missile attacks. “Congress does not have information on what happened,” he noted, emphasizing that such actions would be viewed as illegal if verified.

The allegations come at a time when the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking into the United States. On Saturday, President Donald Trump declared the airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela to be effectively closed, raising tensions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who condemned the move as a “colonial threat.”

Hegseth responded to the accusations via social media, labeling the reports as “fake news” and asserting that all military operations are lawful and compliant with both U.S. and international law. He stated, “Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law… approved by the best military and civilian lawyers.”

In a joint statement, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and committee member Jack Reed, D-R.I., confirmed that they will conduct a thorough oversight investigation into these claims. Similarly, the House Armed Services Committee leaders, Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Adam Smith, D-Wash., expressed their commitment to rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s operations in the Caribbean.

Representative Don Bacon, R-Neb., added that Hegseth should be given an opportunity to clarify his actions, stating, “We should get to the truth. I find it hard to believe he would make such a reckless decision.”

These developments are unfolding rapidly, and lawmakers are demanding answers as the investigation progresses. The situation raises significant ethical and legal questions that could have profound implications for U.S. military policy and international relations.

As this story continues to evolve, officials urge the public to stay informed about the implications of these military actions and the ongoing congressional investigations.