Republican Senator Rand Paul has criticised Vice-President JD Vance for what he called 'despicable' comments defending a US military strike against a Venezuelan boat that killed 11 alleged drug traffickers. Mr Paul, who chairs the Senate committee on homeland security and government affairs, accused Mr Vance of glorifying extrajudicial killings.
In a post on X on Saturday, Mr Vance described the strike as 'the highest and best use of our military', adding: 'Democrats: let's send your kids to die in Russia. Republicans: actually let's protect our people from the scum of the earth.' The attack took place in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, with the Trump administration claiming the vessel was transporting narcotics.
President Donald Trump endorsed the action, vowing further strikes and saying 'there's more where that came from'. He has since sent warships and marines to the region, with reports indicating 10 F-35 fighter jets are being deployed to Puerto Rico. The US has also offered a $50m (£40m) bounty for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and authorised military action against Latin American cartels deemed terrorist organisations.
Senator Paul responded sharply to Mr Vance's remarks. 'JD “I don’t give a shit” Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the “highest and best use of the military.” Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird?' he wrote on X, referring to the novel about a wrongly convicted man. 'What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial.'
The strike has heightened already tense relations between the US and Venezuela, with fears it could escalate into full military conflict. Critics argue that targeting alleged traffickers without due process sets a dangerous precedent.
