Overview
- In a Joe Rogan interview released Tuesday, Sen. Rand Paul said DEA data shows virtually no fentanyl originates in Venezuela and cast the fentanyl justification for striking boats as unfounded.
- Paul accused GOP colleagues of ignoring due process and humanitarian concerns, pointing to reports that survivors of initial boat strikes were later targeted, allegations the administration has not substantiated.
- Arguing the small craft cannot reach the United States, he said the targeted routes carry cocaine toward Caribbean islands and Europe rather than fentanyl to U.S. shores.
- Paul helped advance a Senate resolution to restrict President Trump’s ability to conduct additional attacks on Venezuela, a measure he says tests presidential war powers and that faces a difficult path in the House.
- The criticism follows the Jan. 3 capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces on narco‑terrorism charges, after what Pentagon announcements cited by news outlets describe as at least 35 strikes that killed at least 115 people since early September.