Politics in the Pentagon: Democrats Left Out of the Loop on Military Strikes

A recent classified briefing about U. S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels near Venezuela has sparked controversy. The Trump administration held a meeting that only invited Republicans. This has raised eyebrows and concerns about the increasing politicization of national security. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, was not happy. He pointed out that this is not how things are supposed to work. He argued that when politics gets involved in decisions about sending troops into danger, it makes them less safe. The administration shared their legal reasoning for the strikes during the briefing. Warner questioned why this information was kept secret. Meanwhile, members of Congress, especially Democrats, have been pushing for more details about the strikes. These strikes have resulted in nearly 60 deaths in recent weeks, as tensions rise between the U. S. , Venezuela, and Colombia. Traditionally, both parties have been included in briefings about major national security actions. These briefings are usually held for the "Gang of Eight" - top leaders from both parties in the intelligence committees and Congress. Sometimes, classified sessions are held for all members of Congress. When asked about the exclusion of Democrats, the White House spokesperson did not directly address the issue. Instead, she accused Democrats of protecting foreign drug smugglers. She mentioned that the administration has held six bipartisan briefings, with more planned, and that the Pentagon is making senior officials available to answer questions. The Pentagon has not provided many public details about the people targeted in the strikes. They have only acknowledged that some were from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. The Trump administration claims that those targeted were transporting drugs. However, they have not provided evidence or explained why they chose to attack the boats instead of stopping them and arresting those on board. Trump has also ordered a major military buildup in the Caribbean. Both Democratic and Republican senators have introduced resolutions to stop the strikes without lawmakers' approval. They argue that the U. S. Constitution requires Congress, not the president, to authorize war. One resolution was narrowly defeated, and the second is expected to come up for a vote in the coming weeks. Warner has been critical of the Trump administration's approach to national security. He cited examples like the administration's decision to only invite Republicans when it struck Iran in June. In September, Warner's planned oversight visit to an intelligence agency was canceled after criticism from a far-right activist. Warner appreciated that Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, spoke up after the briefing. Rounds felt that Democrats should have been included. However, Warner wished that other Republicans had also spoken up. Aides to Rounds did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nor did a spokesperson for Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and the chairman of the intelligence panel. On a positive note, administration officials held a classified briefing on Thursday for the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. This briefing involved members from both parties, according to a congressional aide.