CLARKE CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S UNAUTHORIZED MILITARY STRIKES OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA AND IN THE CARIBBEAN

"These operations have resulted in more than 80 deaths across 20 separate strikes-actions undertaken without congressional authorization, in clear violation of our Constitution."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 4, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: [email protected]

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the Trump administration's unauthorized military strikes on alleged drug boats off the coast of Venezuela and in the Caribbean:

"Since September, the Trump administration has carried out a series of unauthorized military strikes off the coast of Venezuela, across the Caribbean, and the Eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in more than 80 deaths across 20 separate strikes-actions undertaken without congressional authorization, in clear violation of our Constitution. This "kill first and ask questions never" approach is not only unlawful but fundamentally un-American.

"These strikes have done nothing to curb the opioid crisis here at home. Instead, they reflect poor leadership and reckless decision-making at the highest levels, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issuing a verbal order "to kill everybody" during a second strike on a suspected drug vessel, which is an alarming directive that demonstrates a cavalier disregard for both U.S. and international law. To date, the administration has provided no credible evidence to justify its actions. Rather than taking responsibility or accountability, this administration has shown nothing short of cowardly leadership by attempting to shift blame onto Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley for this unauthorized escalation toward conflict with Venezuela.

"Congressional Democrats have called for briefings and hearings to address these unlawful military actions. Until we receive a formal explanation from the administration, it must cease using our Armed Forces for any hostilities in Venezuela or across the Caribbean. The Trump administration must atone for its actions before more are taken without due process and before further damage is done to our relationships with our Caribbean and Venezuelan neighbors."

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