UPDATE: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has raised alarming concerns regarding the legality of recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. During an urgent interview with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, Kelly questioned the justifications provided by the administration, emphasizing the potential legal risks to American servicemembers.
Kelly’s remarks come just weeks after military officials briefed Congress on the initial strikes, where he noted that the Department of Defense was struggling to clarify the legal rationale for these actions. “We got a brief a couple of weeks ago on the first three or four strikes. And I got to say, the administration was just tying itself in knots trying to explain what the legal justification was for these kinetic strikes on these boats,” Kelly stated.
As tensions rise, Kelly warned that if it is determined these strikes occurred without proper legal basis, American military personnel could face significant jeopardy. He also criticized the broader military strategies of the Trump administration, specifically mentioning the deployment of B-52s near Venezuela in discussions surrounding regime change. “Such tactics have historically put American lives at risk without enhancing national security,” he added.
In a separate but equally pressing matter, Kelly condemned House Speaker Mike Johnson for delaying the swearing-in of Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva. He pointed out that this delay hinders justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. “This is not consistent with the Constitution. The Constitution states that when there’s an empty seat, there should be a special election, and the elected person should be sworn in,” Kelly emphasized, as reported by his Senate press release.
Johnson’s refusal has stalled a discharge petition crucial for the release of Epstein-related files, suggesting his actions may shield individuals connected to Epstein. Kelly argued that this obstruction not only disrupts congressional procedure but also undermines accountability and legislative progress.
“He needs to swear her in. He also needs to get Republicans back here to Washington, D.C., to reopen the House of Representatives. We need to have serious negotiations about fixing people’s healthcare premiums and opening up the government,” Kelly insisted during the MSNBC interview.
These developments highlight the urgent intersection of military legality and legislative accountability at a time when American politics demand transparency and decisive action. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Congress and the administration to address these critical issues.
