Bipartisan U.S. senators have expressed concerns over President Trump's unilateral order for military strikes against "alleged drug smuggling vessels" in the Caribbean.

During Sunday's television interviews, multiple lawmakers questioned the legality of these military operations. Reports indicate that U.S. forces have conducted at least ten such strikes in recent months—none authorized by Congress.

While Democratic critics were harsher, some Republicans also voiced reservations. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that Congress has seen no evidence supporting the administration's claims of drug trafficking or voted to approve the actions. "So far, they’ve only labeled these people as drug smugglers—no names, no proof, no confirmation of weapons. We’ve seen nothing," Paul said.

Under Trump’s directive, U.S. forces have reportedly targeted vessels in the Caribbean, off Venezuela’s coast, and recently in the eastern Pacific. The president also authorized the CIA to operate in Venezuela, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegse deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to South America last week.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), appearing alongside Paul, echoed his concerns. "Many Virginians serve in the deployed Ford strike group," Kaine added. "They shouldn’t be put at risk unless Congress votes on whether this conflict serves national interests."

Earlier this month, Kaine, Paul, and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a war powers resolution to block U.S. military action in or against Venezuela after Trump floated potential ground troops.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a key Trump ally, revealed on CBS’s *Face the Nation* that Trump promised a post-Asia-trip briefing but acknowledged "a high likelihood of ground strikes in Venezuela." Graham dismissed claims of presidential overreach, arguing, "The Constitution doesn’t require congressional approval for military force."

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) called the administration’s legal justification "questionable," citing incoherent explanations from the White House and Pentagon. "The evidence we’ve seen doesn’t match their public claims about fentanyl—though some boats carried other drugs," Kelly said.

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) went further, likening the strikes to "murder." "If these are criminals, use the Coast Guard. If it’s war, consult Congress first. This is just murder—authorized by him," he asserted.

Earlier, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) criticized the administration for bypassing Congress, warning he’d be "furious" if such opacity occurred under Biden. His colleague Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) expressed shock at learning of strikes via media, despite his Intelligence Committee role.