Connecticut Representative Jim Himes stirred up conversation recently on MSNBC when he expressed concerns about the implications of President Trump’s military actions against suspected drug trafficking boats. Himes warned that supporters of Trump should consider the consequences if a future Democratic president were to take similar actions. He specifically mentioned the hypothetical scenario of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez becoming president and acting outside the law.
Himes made these remarks in response to comments made by Senator Lindsey Graham, who criticized fellow Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego for labeling Trump’s military strikes as "sanctioned murder." Graham defended the president’s authority as commander in chief, arguing that previous presidents have taken similar actions without facing accusations of murder.
During the interview, Himes suggested that there might be a memo in the White House outlining the legal justifications for these strikes, which he believes has not been shared with Congress. He questioned the legality of the strikes and urged the public to think critically about the implications of endorsing military actions that could be deemed illegal.
Graham, in his defense of the strikes, emphasized that the president has the constitutional authority to conduct military operations without needing a formal declaration of war from Congress. He argued that most Americans likely support Trump’s actions in this context.
Himes also joined other Democrats in early October, sending a letter to President Trump requesting a list of designated terrorist organizations and the evidence supporting the recent military strikes in the Caribbean. This letter reflects ongoing concerns among some lawmakers about the administration’s military decisions.
Interestingly, Himes’ comments did not address the controversial drone strike ordered by former President Obama in 2011, which resulted in the death of American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki and his son.
As the debate continues, Himes’ remarks highlight the deep divisions in American politics regarding military authority and the potential consequences of such actions under different administrations.
