Venezuelan drug transport vessel bombed by the U.S. in the Caribbean. UPI Yonhap News. 

The U.S. Donald Trump administration has stated that military action against Venezuelan drug cartels falls under the executive branch's authority and does not require congressional approval.

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 1st (local time) that Elliot Gaiser, Chief Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice, made these remarks during a recent closed-door meeting with members of Congress.

According to sources, Gaiser argued that military action against Venezuelan drug cartels does not constitute hostile action under the War Powers Act, which stipulates congressional approval.

He further stated that the Trump administration has no intention of requesting congressional approval for the extension or further authorization of military action against Venezuelan drug cartels.

Currently, the Trump administration, under the stated goal of intercepting drugs flowing into the U.S. from Venezuela, has deployed U.S. warships and fighter jets in the Caribbean and has sunk drug transport vessels.

Specifically, the U.S. military has dispatched nuclear-powered fast attack submarines and Aegis destroyers to the Caribbean, and has also deployed missile cruisers and littoral combat ships.

There are also significant observations that the U.S. may be pursuing military operations with the aim of regime change in Venezuela.

In this regard, within U.S. political circles, particularly among the opposition Democratic Party, the view is spreading that "the Trump administration's military operations without reporting to Congress constitute an abuse of executive power."

It is argued that even if the President, as commander-in-chief, possesses broad military authority, military actions without congressional approval are difficult to find legal grounding for.

Article II of the U.S. Constitution stipulates that the President serves as the supreme commander of the military. However, the declaration of war remains a congressional power.

Accordingly, Senator Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia) has submitted a resolution reaffirming Congress's authority regarding declarations of war.

However, the Trump administration is maintaining its position that the use of force against Venezuelan drug cartels is not subject to the War Powers Act.

A senior White House official argued, "The War Powers Act only applies to situations that expose U.S. soldiers to danger," adding, "Current operations involve precision strikes via drones launched from naval vessels in international waters, so U.S. troops are not directly exposed to danger."

Members of the drug cartel Tren de Aragua (TdA) being deported from the U.S. UPI Yonhap News. 

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