The Trump administration held an exclusive meeting for Republicans regarding attacks on ships suspected of drug trafficking near Venezuela, provoking criticism from Democrats.

The administration of President Donald Trump organized an informational meeting exclusively for Republicans regarding the U.S. attacks on ships suspected of drug trafficking near Venezuela. Democratic Senator Mark Warner criticized this action, emphasizing that the politicization of the national security decision-making process endangers the lives of military personnel.

Warner also questioned the necessity of classifying the information presented during the briefing. Congressional Democrats have requested more details about the attacks that led to the deaths of nearly 60 people, in the context of tensions with Venezuela and Colombia. Typically, administrations inform both Democrats and Republicans about national security actions, but in this case, Democrats were excluded.

The White House press secretary accused Democrats of protecting drug traffickers, while the Pentagon acknowledged that some of the targeted individuals were from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Trump ordered a strengthening of military forces in the Caribbean, and senators from both parties proposed resolutions to stop the attacks without Congressional approval, invoking constitutional provisions.