Speaker Johnson: Second Venezuela Boat Strike ‘Entirely Appropriate’ Following Classified Video Review

House Speaker Johnson Defends Caribbean Military Strikes Against Alleged Drug Vessel

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has firmly backed the U.S. military’s September 2 airstrikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, calling the actions “entirely appropriate” after viewing classified video footage of the incident.

“The individuals on that vessel were not helpless castaways. They were drug runners on a capsized drug boat and, by all indications, attempting to recover it so they could continue pushing drugs to kill Americans,” Johnson told reporters during a press briefing.

The Speaker elaborated on what he observed in the classified footage, noting that the individuals appeared “able-bodied” and “not injured” while attempting to recover narcotics from the vessel. He mentioned that another boat was nearby, with the two survivors “waving their arms” toward it to continue what Johnson called “their mission.”

The military operation, which included two separate strikes on the same target, has become a flashpoint of controversy between Republicans and Democrats. According to the White House, the first strike was followed by a second attack after two people survived the initial hit. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has stated he witnessed the first strike live but was unaware of the follow-up attack until later, as he had left for a meeting.

“This is a great threat to us. Every one of these boats that is capsized saves tens of thousands of American lives. This is what the president has prioritized,” Johnson argued, framing the operation as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking affecting American communities.

The Speaker specifically defended Admiral Frank M. Bradley, commander of United States Special Operations Command, who reportedly ordered the strike. “Admiral Bradley is one of the most honorable men serving in the U.S. military. His credentials are exceptional. He’s a man of great integrity, and they followed the law very carefully and closely here,” Johnson said.

Regarding the controversial second strike specifically, Johnson was unequivocal: “It followed the law. It followed protocol. It followed our previous missions like this… I’m fully confident that it was done the right way.”

The incident has created a sharp political divide on Capitol Hill. Critics from the Democratic side have questioned the legality of the strikes, with some suggesting they may constitute a war crime. Republicans have generally supported the operation as falling within proper military authority.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., has indicated satisfaction with the information provided thus far. In contrast, the committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., stated Thursday that the investigation was “far from over.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee has launched its own separate investigation into the controversial operation as the debate continues over the legal and ethical implications of the military action.

The incident comes amid increased efforts by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking from South America, particularly focusing on Venezuelan routes that have been linked to the flow of narcotics into the United States. The administration has characterized these operations as critical to national security and public health concerns related to the ongoing drug crisis.

As congressional probes continue, the incident highlights tensions between aggressive counter-narcotics tactics and adherence to international law in military operations outside active combat zones.