Some Republicans in Congress are questioning President Trump’s expanding war against cartels carried out without consultation or authorization by Congress. A growing number of Republicans have raised concerns about the president’s military campaign, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and oversight.
Most Republicans have enthusiastically rallied behind the strikes so far, but several have expressed skepticism about the operation and are pressing for more information and involvement in the campaign. Senators Mike Rounds, Susan Collins, and Thom Tillis are among those who have called for greater oversight and have expressed concerns about the intelligence underpinning the strikes.
President Trump has stated that he does not plan to seek congressional approval for his military campaign against cartels, but some Republicans are questioning this decision. The Senate is set to vote again next week on a bipartisan resolution that would prohibit U.S. attacks “within or against” Venezuela without explicit authorization from Congress.
While most Republicans have supported the administration’s strategy, several have expressed concerns about the operation and have called for greater scrutiny. Senator Lindsey Graham has argued that the strikes are an antiterror campaign that clearly warrants the use of deadly force, but others have raised questions about the legality of the strikes and the need for congressional oversight.
The controversy highlights a rare instance of dissent among Republicans on a major policy issue. It also raises questions about the role of Congress in overseeing executive branch actions, particularly when it comes to matters of national security and foreign policy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/us/politics/republicans-trump-drug-war.html