The Trump administration seems to have been working overtime to prove that the brutal attacks on the Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean have been a preventive measure to stop the smuggling of drugs into the U.S. The ravaged vessels, which had more than 80 casualties on board, were believed to be drug cartels smuggling contraband inside the mainland, allegedly prompting Pete Hegseth to order another strike to ensure there would be ‘no survivors’ in them.
While the GOP and the U.S. President have practically turned a deaf ear to the criticisms directed at them, they have now backed up their defense with stronger arguments.
As per Rep. Lance Gooden, they take pride in the revamped border policies in the U.S., which have made smuggling of narcotics nearly impossible through land. As a result, these cartels are now opting for newer routes, including the Caribbean Sea, as witnessed in the latest example. However, the government has patted its own back on having quashed the alleged drug cartels aiming to enter the mainland from the waters as well.
Speaking on Fox News, Lance Gooden took pride in having President Trump succeed in closing borders when it comes to drug smuggling. He compared it to the loosened grip of leadership during Democratic rule, when such strong measures were not taken at all. The lawmaker went ahead to remark on the controversial action as a mark of victory for the country at large.
‘HANDS OFF VENEZUELA’: Protesters in more than 65 U.S. cities rallied as tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela — with drug-boat strikes intensifying and President Trump issuing an ultimatum for Nicolás Maduro to flee ahead of possible ground operations. pic.twitter.com/p433SJSZg3
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 8, 2025
In his words, “The Venezuelan transnational drug cartels from Mexico… they’re having to use boats because the borders are no longer wide open. This is a victory. This is a symptom of success that it’s President Trump’s leadership.”
Moving on with the defense for the Republican Party, the Congressman shifted blame back to the Biden-era loopholes, where border security was thoroughly ignored. Moreover, Gooden alleged that Democrats now merely criticize the steps taken by the GOP in resolving such poignant issues, since they themselves had failed in it.
Rep Lance Gooden Call Out Democrats Hypocrisy
“To see them talking about blowing up drug smuggling terrorist boats in Venezuela as if that is a crisis when they were silent during the four years of Biden is really an empty complaint.” pic.twitter.com/dazccibLcC
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) December 8, 2025
He added, “I had concern over the last four years of Joe Biden with open borders and all the lawbreaking happening with the ra—, the murders, the crime that was going through the roof due to our open borders. I do not recall any of my Democratic colleagues even recognizing we had a problem, much less condemning it.”
Moving forward with his blasting game of accusations, the Republican lawmaker was asked by the Fox News host if, with the growing disagreement of the Democrats, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth would be impeached from the Trump cabinet ministry. In response, he said that if the Democrats succeeded in their plans and won the House again during the mid-term elections, it would be a matter of great concern for America once more.
Furthermore, Lance Gooden agreed that if their opponents come up to power in 2026, the Republicans and the good work of President Trump would be made a laughing stock. However, he conveyed assurance on behalf of the entire GOP as they planned to deliver the American people from all such evils, pressing them to not have a trouble-free existence in America.
For context, given the questionable attacks on the Venezuelan boats allegedly carrying drugs, the Democrats have condemned a second strike, which killed the remaining two survivors. In the wake of dubious border policies during their previous time in the Presidency, Democrats have now advocated for comprehensive immigration reform to ensure humane border security and legal pathways at all times.
