Trump Asserts Legal Authority for U.S. Strikes on Vessels Near Venezuela Amid Anti-Drug Efforts

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that his administration has full legal authority to conduct military strikes on vessels near Venezuela suspected of transporting illegal drugs. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that the U.S. government is “totally prepared” to take decisive action against drug traffickers operating in the region.

The president clarified that while his administration currently targets drug trafficking operations at sea, it may consult Congress if operations extend to land-based targets. “We’re allowed to do that, and if we do it by land, we may go back to Congress,” Trump said. He added that although formal congressional approval may not be required, he would prefer to inform lawmakers as a matter of transparency and cooperation.

Trump underscored his commitment to combating international narcotics smuggling, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks linked to Venezuela. “We will hit them very hard if they come in by land,” he warned, signaling a tougher stance on criminal organizations that use maritime routes to transport drugs into the United States.

The president’s remarks come as part of broader U.S. anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. These efforts aim to curb the flow of illegal substances into American territories and weaken transnational crime groups accused of exploiting regional instability. Trump’s comments reinforce the administration’s policy of aggressive interdiction and its readiness to escalate actions if necessary.

The White House continues to frame its anti-drug campaign as essential to national security, positioning Venezuela’s waters as a key battleground in the fight against global narcotics trafficking. The president’s assertion of legal authority underscores Washington’s determination to confront these threats directly and maintain strong control over regional security operations.