Senator Lindsey Graham Discusses Potential Military Action in Venezuela on Face the Nation

In a revealing interview on CBS's Face the Nation, Senator Lindsey Graham provided significant insight into the Trump administration's escalating military approach to combating drug trafficking from Latin America. The South Carolina Republican disclosed that President Trump plans to brief Congress about potential expansion of military operations from maritime strikes to land-based actions in Venezuela and Colombia.

Expanding Military Operations

Senator Graham confirmed that the deployment of the Navy's advanced aircraft carrier Gerald Ford to Latin America represents only the beginning of potential military escalation. "I think President Trump's made a decision that Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, is an indicted drug trafficker, that it's time for him to go," Graham stated during the interview. The senator revealed that President Trump personally informed him about plans to brief congressional members upon returning from Asia regarding future military operations against Venezuela and Colombia.

Legal Authority and Precedent

Graham vigorously defended the administration's legal authority to conduct these operations without congressional declaration of war. He cited historical precedents including President George H.W. Bush's intervention in Panama to remove Manuel Noriega and President Reagan's military action in Grenada. "There's plenty of precedent here to do what he's doing," Graham asserted, referencing Article Two presidential powers designed to protect the country from foreign threats.

Congressional Opposition and Response

The senator addressed criticism from both Democratic and Republican colleagues, including Senators Rand Paul and James Lankford, who expressed concerns about the lack of congressional authorization. Graham dismissed these concerns, stating "there is no requirement for Congress to declare war before the commander-in-chief can use force." He challenged critics to exercise their congressional power by introducing legislation to cut off funding if they opposed the military operations.

Changing Approach to Drug Trafficking

Graham emphasized that the administration's approach represents a fundamental shift in how the United States confronts drug trafficking organizations. "The game has changed when it comes to narco trafficking, drug organizations," he declared. The senator characterized the situation as a direct national security threat, noting that "more Americans have died from cocaine and fentanyl poisoning than any terrorist group in the world."