Earlier this month, the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean Sea, killing 11 suspected Tren de Aragua gang members allegedly trafficking drugs.
Vice President JD Vance praised the operation, stating on X that “killing cartel members who poison our citizens is the highest and best use of our military.” In response to critics like Brian Krassenstein, who called the strike a war crime, Vance dismissively replied, “I don’t give a s*** what you call it.”
Senator Rand Paul sharply condemned Vance’s remarks as “despicable and thoughtless,” arguing that glorifying extrajudicial killings without due process undermines justice. Paul referenced Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, questioning what happens when the accused are executed without trial, drawing a parallel to the novel’s themes of wrongful conviction. Krassenstein echoed Paul’s concerns, questioning why the Coast Guard didn’t board the vessel to arrest the suspects instead of killing them.
Paul’s criticism sparked backlash from some Republicans, like Senator Bernie Moreno, who accused him of defending “foreign terrorist drug traffickers” responsible for American deaths. Public reaction on X and other platforms showed significant division, with some labeling Paul as out of touch for seemingly defending drug traffickers. Critics argued Paul’s stance ignored the real threat posed by cartels, while supporters praised his commitment to due process. The strike has raised legal and diplomatic concerns, with experts questioning its compliance with international law and the lack of congressional oversight.
We want to ask you, the reader: do you believe the U.S. military strike on the Venezuelan drug trafficking vessel is a war crime? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on Sen. Paul’s comments to the vice president.
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