On Sunday’s edition of NBC’s Meet the Press, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D‑AZ) accused the Trump administration of sanctioning “murder” by authorizing U.S. military strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
During the segment, host Kristen Welker asked about the legality of recent operations—where naval forces deployed against alleged drug vessels and the president signaled potential land strikes into Venezuela. Gallego did not mince words: “If this is an act of war, you use our military, and then you come and talk to us first,” he said. “But this is murder. It’s sanctioned murder that he is doing.”
Gallego argued that since the administration claims these are law enforcement actions, they should instead be handled by the United States Coast Guard—not warships. “This president has zero understanding about the responsibility someone has when it comes to make life‑and‑death decisions,” Gallego added.
He challenged the administration’s narrative that the maritime strikes are essential to stopping fentanyl. “The boats in the Caribbean do not carry fentanyl,” Gallego asserted. “The story that this is about fentanyl killing people is false.”
The Air Force‑led operations—since September 2025—have targeted vessels allegedly linked to Latin American narcotics networks. At least 40 people have been killed according to independent estimates. Critics raise legal and ethical questions about using military force without full congressional authorization or transparent evidence.
Gallego’s statement intensifies pressure on the administration to provide clear legal justification and to explain why the Coast Guard hasn’t been the lead agency. Congressional oversight is growing, especially as U.S. partners in the region voice concerns about sovereignty and human‑rights violations tied to the strikes.
