GOP Rep. Rick Crawford on Trump's Drug Boat Strikes and Border Security

Briefing on Drug Boat Strikes

• 🎯 Congressman Rick Crawford participated in a briefing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding drug boat strikes.
• 📜 The briefing focused on ensuring lawmakers were comfortable with the legal authority behind these operations, particularly President Trump's Article 2 authority.
• ✅ Crawford expressed full satisfaction with the President's actions, stating he is acting appropriately and is 'not playing around'.

Impact on Cartels and Recruitment

• 🚢 The strikes have killed at least 66 accused drug smugglers, sending a significant warning to cartels.
• 📉 It is anticipated that these actions will make it harder for cartels to recruit boat drivers and execute their missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Bipartisan Support and Public Perception

• 🤝 Crawford indicated no dissent among Republicans regarding the Article 2 authority discussed in the briefing.
• 📊 New Gallup polling shows a significant increase, with 45% of Americans believing the US government is making progress against drugs entering the country.

Border Security and International Partnerships

• 📈 The reduction in drug trafficking is partly attributed to a more secure border.
• 🌍 The US is seeing greater partnership with Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago, who are also combating drug traffickers in their waters.
• 🌎 Increased US presence in the region signals seriousness about hemispheric security to both neighbors and potential adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.