"Democrats are amplifying pressure on the Trump administration to produce evidence that last week's military strike in the Caribbean Sea killed 11 drug smugglers, which the president has claimed, as lawmakers from both parties question the legal basis for the surprise use of force. On Wednesday, more than 20 Democrats petitioned President Donald Trump to clarify a host of facts about the operation, including the military assets involved and how the administration confirmedthe targets were part of a drug network."
"Their outreach followed a closed-door briefing by the Pentagon to bipartisan staff from the principal national security committees, a meeting thattwo people familiar with the matter characterized as vague and unsatisfying. Sen. Tim Kaine (Virginia) framed the issue as a faceoff between an administration insistent it has sweeping authority to carry out U.S. foreign policy - including through military force - and a Congress trying to reassert its role in the process."
Democrats pressed the administration to provide proof that a Caribbean military strike killed 11 drug smugglers and to explain the legal basis for the action. More than 20 Democrats requested details about the operation, including assets used and how the targets were confirmed as part of a drug network. A Pentagon briefing for bipartisan committee staff was described as vague and unsatisfying. Sen. Tim Kaine framed the matter as a clash between asserted presidential authority and congressional oversight. Democrats signaled potential use of the War Powers Act. The administration cites an executive order labeling groups as foreign terrorist organizations, while Democrats say such a designation alone does not authorize lethal force.
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