The Fox News Rundown From Washington: The President’s Escalating Drug War in The Caribbean
Oct 18, 2025
Dr. Rebecca Grant, President of IRIS Independent Research, analyzes the legality and strategy behind U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, addressing narco-terrorism and U.S. involvement in Venezuela. She also discusses the military's potential role in the Israel-Gaza peace process. Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, explains the push to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains to counter China's influence, detailing initiatives and environmental considerations linked to mining policies.
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Cartels Treated As An Imminent Invasion Force
- The Trump administration treats designated cartels as an imminent invasion force to justify lethal military action in international waters.
- Dr. Rebecca Grant says this executive legal case mirrors counterterrorism strikes and relies on clear, actionable maritime intelligence.
Executive Authority Over Congressional AUMF
- The administration relies on presidential authority rather than a new congressional AUMF for these operations.
- That legal framing lets the president authorize case-by-case lethal force without prior congressional votes, per Dr. Rebecca Grant.
Expect Limited Public Intel Releases
- The Pentagon likely will limit public release of raw intelligence while operations remain active.
- Expect only targeted briefings and select videos showing infrared designation and precision strikes, says Dr. Rebecca Grant.