CNN Panel REJECTS Katie Miller’s Defense of Controversial Drug Strikes
BREAKING: Tensions escalated on CNN Friday evening as Katie Miller, wife of former Trump advisor Stephen Miller, faced staunch opposition while defending the Trump administration’s controversial strikes against drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. These military actions, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 80 individuals since September, are part of what the administration describes as a crackdown on drug smuggling.
During her appearance on CNN’s Newsnight with Abby Phillip, Miller challenged fellow panelist and attorney Bakari Sellers to cite legal statutes justifying claims that the strikes were illegal. Sellers was quick to respond, emphasizing the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution. “Can you point to one of those boats that actually had drugs on them?” he asked. He highlighted the tragic case of two Trinidadian fishermen killed in an October strike, underscoring the urgent question of whether these actions are legally justified.
Families of the victims are demanding answers, with reports confirming that a Colombian man remains missing after a September strike. New York Times sources indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly unaware of the specific targets of these strikes, raising serious concerns about accountability. Representative Jim Himes has suggested that these operations may predominantly impact low-level cartel members, if not innocent civilians.
The White House appears to be grappling with the ramifications of these military actions. Vice President JD Vance even made light of the situation during a September rally, humorously cautioning against fishing in the area. This flippant remark underscores the grim reality of the strikes.
Despite the mounting criticism, Miller attempted to shift the narrative by comparing the individuals aboard the boats to “members of al-Qaeda or ISIS.” However, Sellers challenged her to name a specific individual involved in the drug trade comparable to such terrorist groups. Unable to answer, Miller instead questioned Sellers’ desire for government intervention against illegal drugs.
Sellers reiterated the importance of due process, stating, “I believe that individuals deserve some modicum of due process. I think that that is something that’s enshrined in our constitution.” Host Abby Phillip added that the administration has yet to specify which drugs are allegedly being transported on these boats, pointing out that fentanyl does not originate from Venezuela.
The Trump administration continues to face backlash regarding the legality of their actions, with allies reportedly withholding intelligence as a result of these strikes. In a recent statement on social media, Hegseth proclaimed, “We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists,” intensifying concerns about the administration’s approach.
As these developments unfold, the international community watches closely. The implications of these strikes raise pressing questions about legality, human rights, and the potential for civilian casualties in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
WHAT’S NEXT: As scrutiny of the Trump administration’s military tactics grows, further discussions on the legality and ethics of these operations are expected to dominate headlines. Families affected by the strikes and legal experts will likely continue to seek clarity on due process and accountability.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.
