Fetterman Backs Trump Administration’s Venezuelan Oil Blockade and Caribbean Strikes

John Fetterman

Sen. John Fetterman Backs Trump Administration’s Venezuelan Oil Blockade and Caribbean Strikes

Washington — Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has become the first Democratic senator to publicly support President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a total blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, breaking with much of his party amid growing debate over the administration’s expanding use of military force in the drug war.

Fetterman also defended the Trump administration’s unilateral strikes against suspected cartel-linked vessels in the Caribbean, comparing them to drone operations carried out under former President Barack Obama.

“I think what’s happening right now is consistent,” Fetterman said Tuesday in an interview with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo. “It’s not unreasonable to compare that to what President Obama was doing during his presidency. He was using drone hits, and he took out thousands of terrorists. And if I was in the Senate at that time, I would have supported those as well.”

The remarks came the same day Trump formally designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, a move that significantly escalates the administration’s militarized approach to combating drug trafficking. The designation expands the government’s authority to treat cartel-linked operations as national security threats.

Growing Tensions Over Executive Authority

The administration’s actions have sparked bipartisan concern in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties questioning the White House’s decision to proceed without consulting lawmakers. Critics argue that strikes and blockades risk entangling the U.S. in broader conflicts without congressional authorization.

Fetterman countered those concerns, saying the military’s actions are backed by “extensive intelligence” and are aimed at disrupting organizations designated as terrorist groups. The Trump administration has classified several drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, expanding the legal framework for targeting them.

Both the Obama and Trump administrations have relied on the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)—originally passed for the Iraq War—to justify military actions abroad in the name of national security. Congress has not formally declared war since 1942.

“Because these boats allegedly belong to cartels designated as terrorist organizations, the president has the ability to target them,” Fetterman said. “I feel comfortable that they are not just blowing up random boats.”

Limits to Support

Despite his backing of the blockade and strikes, Fetterman made clear he does not support a full-scale military invasion of Venezuela.

“I don’t think anyone in the Senate would support a full-on land invasion or putting American boots on the ground in Venezuela,” he said. “That’s not what’s happening right now, and there is extensive cooperation with nations in the region.”

Fetterman’s comments highlight a growing divide within the Democratic Party over how far the U.S. should go in confronting drug trafficking and cartel activity, as well as renewed scrutiny of presidential war powers and executive authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What position did Sen. John Fetterman take on Venezuelan oil?

Sen. Fetterman became the first Democratic senator to support President Trump’s plan to impose a total blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers.

2. Did Fetterman support U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean?

Yes. He backed the Trump administration’s strikes against vessels allegedly linked to drug cartels operating in the Caribbean.

3. How did Fetterman compare Trump’s actions to previous administrations?

Fetterman compared the strikes to drone operations under President Barack Obama, saying he would have supported those actions as well.

4. Why are the Caribbean strikes controversial?

The strikes have drawn bipartisan criticism because the White House did not consult Congress before taking action, raising concerns about executive authority.

5. What justification did Fetterman give for supporting the strikes?

He said the actions are based on extensive intelligence and target boats linked to cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

6. What role does fentanyl play in this policy shift?

President Trump recently designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, escalating the administration’s drug war strategy.

7. What legal authority is being used to justify the strikes?

The administration is relying on the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which has been used by multiple presidents to conduct military operations abroad.

8. Has Congress declared war in connection with these actions?

No. Congress has not formally declared war since 1942, despite repeated overseas military operations.

9. Does Fetterman support a military invasion of Venezuela?

No. He explicitly opposed any land invasion or deployment of U.S. troops in Venezuela.

10. What does Fetterman’s stance mean politically?

His support highlights internal divisions among Democrats over national security, drug trafficking, and the scope of presidential war powers.