The deployment of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, Gerald Ford, to Latin America by Defense Secretary Hegseth on behalf of President Trump raises concerns about potential military action against Venezuela and Colombia.
President Trump stated that he plans to brief Congress on future operations but said “we don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war.” The US is targeting narco-terrorist organizations, including those operating in Venezuela.
Senator Lindsey Graham, who supports the operation, said the Monroe Doctrine has been applied robustly by President Trump and that Venezuela has been used as a staging ground to poison America. However, some Republican colleagues have expressed discomfort with the limited information shared with Congress.
Senators James Lankford and Rand Paul have criticized the situation, with Lankford saying he’d be “apoplectic” if it happened under the Biden administration. Graham disagrees with their approach but acknowledges that there are concerns about adequate legal counsel for military commanders.
The US is facing a growing threat from narco-trafficking organizations, which has led to increased calls for action against these groups. Graham believes that President Trump’s actions have the authority under Article Two powers of the President to protect America from threats foreign and domestic.
The situation highlights the complexities of military action in Latin America and raises questions about the role of Congress in authorizing such operations.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lindsey-graham-south-carolina-republican-face-the-nation-transcript-10-26-2025