United States Congresswoman Maxine Waters alleges Trump responsible for deaths in military operations, raising questions over legality and oversight.
U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters has publicly accused President Donald Trump of ordering military strikes in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people, calling the actions a “brazen abuse of Presidential power.”
In a statement posted to her verified X account on Friday December 5, 2025, Waters described the strikes as unlawful, claiming the attacks were conducted under the pretext of combating Venezuelan drug trafficking. She singled out one incident on September 2, 2025, when U.S. forces bombed a vessel in international waters. According to Waters, two survivors clinging to the damaged boat were deliberately targeted in a subsequent strike. She claimed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a directive to “kill them all,” which was carried out by Admiral Frank M. Bradley.
Waters said this event was not isolated. She alleged that 22 additional boats have since been struck, with a total of 83 fatalities. None of the victims, she claims, have been subject to investigation, documentation, or congressional oversight. The congresswoman criticized the administration for bypassing established legal procedures and failing to consult Congress before launching lethal operations, actions she said contravene constitutional limits.
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“The President has acted as Judge, Jury, and Executioner, without any accountability,” Waters wrote, framing the operations as a flagrant violation of human rights and international law.
The congresswoman’s accusations have ignited debate in Washington over the scope of executive authority in military operations. Under U.S. law, the President is required to notify Congress of certain military actions, particularly those involving the use of lethal force in international contexts. Waters’ statements suggest these protocols were disregarded.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to Waters’ claims. Officials have historically defended similar operations as lawful counter-narcotics and national security measures, citing the administration’s prerogative to act against transnational threats.
If verified, Waters’ allegations could intensify scrutiny of Trump’s military strategy and oversight practices, raising broader questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress in conducting international military operations.