Vice President JD Vance defended the recent U.S. military strike that sank a Venezuelan drug boat and killed 11 suspected cartel members. He described the operation as the military’s “highest and best use,” targeting those who poison American communities.
Vance took aim at Democrats, saying, “Democrats: let’s send your kids to die in Russia. Republicans: actually let’s protect our people from the scum of the Earth.”
The strike targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang recently designated a terrorist group by the U.S. government. All 11 aboard the vessel were killed in the operation.
Republican lawmakers also raised concerns about Venezuela’s growing alliance with Russia. Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry called Venezuela a “puppet state for Russia” and accused both countries of working together to flood the U.S. with fentanyl, calling such acts “acts of war.”
Former President Donald Trump escalated tensions, warning Venezuelan jets would be “shot down” if they endangered U.S. warships. The warning came after two Venezuelan F-16 jets conducted provocative flyovers of the USS Jason Dunham.
In response, the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the region. Ten F-35 stealth fighters are being deployed to Puerto Rico, joining Navy warships, submarines, missiles, and thousands of personnel to combat narcoterrorism.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised the mission “won’t stop with just this strike,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed more traffickers would face similar consequences.
Democratic critics, including Senator Tim Kaine, raised concerns over the legality and congressional authorization of the strike, while human rights groups warned of potential international law violations.
Vance dismissed these criticisms, responding bluntly to claims the strike was a war crime, stating, “I don’t give a s–t what you call it.”
