Overview
- On CBS’s Face the Nation, the Kentucky senator accused the White House of “pretending” the United States is at war with Venezuela.
- He said he urged the administration to seek a formal declaration of war for ongoing maritime operations and that the request was refused.
- Paul warned the campaign is eroding support within the MAGA base that backed Trump’s pledge to avoid new foreign wars.
- Reports cited in the coverage say the U.S. has carried out more than 20 strikes that have killed over 90 people, while the White House pursues a terrorist label for the Cartel de los Soles to expand strike authority.
- Matzav reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio cast the cartel as responsible for hemispheric terrorist violence, while Paul criticized limited briefings, cited detainee transfers to Colombia and Ecuador, and noted many intercepted boats carry no drugs.