Hegseth and Rubio share classified details on boat strikes with congressional leaders

Congressional leaders received a classified briefing Wednesday on the Trump administration’s escalating military campaign against drug-smuggling vessels in waters off South America, providing insight into the controversial operation that has already resulted in 66 deaths.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a secure Capitol facility to discuss the strikes, which have targeted alleged narcotics traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

The hour-long session revealed stark partisan divisions over the operation. Republican lawmakers either remained silent after the briefing or expressed support for President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach, while Democrats voiced serious concerns about the legal justification and operational details.

“What we heard isn’t enough. We need a lot more answers. And I am now asking for an all senators briefing on this issue,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters as he exited the meeting.

The timing of the briefing is significant, coming just a day before senators are scheduled to vote on a resolution that would require congressional approval for any direct military strikes on Venezuela. The administration’s maritime campaign has raised speculation about a potential broader military action against the Maduro government.

Since launching the vessel destruction operation two months ago, the Trump administration has provided limited information to Congress, despite lawmakers’ constitutional role in authorizing military force. The administration has circumvented traditional approval processes by classifying drug cartel members as unlawful combatants who can be targeted like terrorists.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has strengthened its naval presence off South America, fueling concerns that Trump may be pursuing regime change against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the United States.

Senator Jim Risch, Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, defended the operation after the briefing. “The administration has kept me, other members fully advised. (I’m) fully satisfied with what they’re doing. They’ve got good legal justification for what they’re doing. The president really ought to be congratulated for saving the lives of young American people.”

The administration’s approach to sharing information has itself become contentious. Democrats criticized officials last week for providing a classified briefing exclusively to Republican senators, arguing that injecting partisanship into national security matters endangers American lives.

Senator Mark Warner, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, acknowledged arguments for taking a tougher stance on the Maduro regime but called it a “huge mistake” to strike boats “without actually interdicting and demonstrating to the American public that these are carrying drugs and full of bad guys.”

Representative Jim Himes, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, noted that while U.S. intelligence assets are being used to confirm vessels are transporting cocaine, “lots of mistakes could get made.” He expressed doubt about whether forces are employing adequate safeguards to prevent civilian casualties.

The legal foundation for the strikes has drawn particular scrutiny. Senators have reviewed a classified 40-page opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel that outlines the rationale for the operations. However, Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, criticized the document for containing “logical fallacies” and failing to specifically address strikes related to Venezuela.

Representative Gregory Meeks, leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was more direct: “They made statements and explanations. I still believe, after all of their statements, that the acts are illegal.”

Thursday’s upcoming vote on Kaine’s resolution represents an attempt by Congress to reassert its war powers authority. The measure would require explicit congressional approval before Trump could authorize any direct military action against Venezuela.

While Republicans generally support the administration’s campaign, there are signs of growing tension between congressional Republicans and the Pentagon over several recent policy decisions, including troop reductions in Romania and new restrictions on information sharing with Congress.

Some GOP senators have expressed openness to more direct action against Venezuela. Senator Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican born in Colombia, said he “absolutely” believes the Venezuelan government is a narco-state and supports regime change efforts against Maduro.

Democrats, however, continue pressing for more transparency and a coherent strategy. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware summarized their position: “I’m concerned about the lack of clear strategy and policy and paths forward.”