Paul Accuses Trump Regime of Bombing Helpless Drug Runers

WASHINGTON — Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has voiced sharp criticism against what he perceives as a dangerous approach by the administration in its Venezuela policy.

Speaking Tuesday on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Paul directly blamed Secretary of State Marco Rubio for allegedly convincing President Donald Trump to pursue regime change in Venezuela through military force against drug runners. “Marco Rubio has always wanted to have regime change in Venezuela, and I think he’s giving him [Trump] bad advice,” the Kentucky senator asserted.

Paul expressed strong constitutional concerns regarding the planned attacks on drug runners allegedly fleeing Venezuela by sea. He emphasized that under U.S. law, individuals who are “clinging from the wreckage of a boat… helpless” fall into a specific legal category exempt from lethal force. The Constitution is pretty clear that war only occurs when Congress votes on it,” Paul stated.

The senator further contended that targeting these individuals constitutes an overreach by military leadership and would require constitutional authorization through Congress, not executive order or individual decisions. “I don’t like… pinning the blame on the military,” he commented about his stance regarding assigning responsibility for such actions. They have a tough job as it is.” Paul stressed that while soldiers carry out orders, “the policy should go to the person who created it.”

Paul’s criticism appears in a broader context of questioning U.S. foreign policy interventions. He suggested that if advisors like Rubio are pushing for military action against those not actively fighting, it mirrors aggressive policies he previously opposed elsewhere and raises questions about constitutional procedures.

The senator maintained that one reason he supported Trump initially was the administration’s stance against regime change efforts in Iran and Libya under its predecessor leadership. His comments underscore his view of the current policy direction as a significant departure from past positions.