Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed support for President Trump’s military action targeting drug trafficking networks in the Southern Caribbean, calling it a necessary step to combat cartel operations. “Fully support confronting the scourge of cartel drug trafficking to our nation,” Fetterman stated, following reports of a U.S. strike against a Venezuelan drug boat linked to the Tren de Aragua narcoterrorist group.
The White House confirmed that U.S. military forces conducted an operation in international waters, killing 11 individuals associated with the gang while they transported illegal narcotics toward the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration’s commitment to “wage war” against “narcoterrorist organizations,” suggesting further strikes could follow. “It’ll happen again. Maybe it’s happening right now,” Rubio said, citing the president’s approach to disrupting drug trafficking.
The operation coincided with heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as Washington expanded naval deployments in the region amid accusations of cartel activity. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned that increased U.S. military presence could provoke a “republic in arms” response, ordering troop movements along coasts and borders. The State Department has designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, while U.S. officials continue counternarcotics operations in the Southern Caribbean.
A request for comment was made to Fetterman’s office regarding his remarks but went unanswered at the time of publication.