US Vice President Supports Trump-Ordered Venezuelan Drug Boat Strike Amid War Crime Claims

Vice President JD Vance has publicly supported President Donald Trump's military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug smuggling boat, dismissing accusations that the attack constitutes a war crime. The drone strike, which killed 11 people, was authorized by Trump, who claimed the vessel was linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and was smuggling narcotics into the United States. Critics, including political commentator Brian Krassenstein and experts on international law, argue the strike violated due process and may constitute a war crime, especially since it is unclear if the occupants were given a chance to surrender or if drugs were indeed on board. Trump and his administration have defended the operation as a necessary measure to deter drug trafficking, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressing full authority to conduct such actions in defense of the American people. Vance doubled down on his praise for Trump's leadership style and military strategy, despite previous private criticisms of the president. The incident reflects a broader Trump administration approach toward a more aggressive "warrior ethos" in combating drug cartels, potentially including further military actions in Venezuela.