Pentagon Blocks Congressional Oversight of Venezuela Boat Strike, Sparking Concerns Over Transparency
The Pentagon has restricted senior House staff from attending a briefing on the US military's strike against a boat off Venezuela, citing "alternative compensatory control measures" to maintain secrecy. This move has sparked concerns over congressional oversight and transparency regarding the Trump administration's actions in the region.
According to The Intercept, President Donald Trump publicly announced the second attack on September 15, 2025, via his Truth Social account, stating that the strike killed three people. In a post, he warned, "BE WARNED IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!" The details of the planning and execution of the operation remain classified.
The Pentagon's decision to bar congressional staff from attending the briefing has raised eyebrows among lawmakers. "This is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to stonewall Congress and prevent us from doing our job," said a senior House staffer, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. "We need transparency and accountability in these matters, not secrecy and obstruction."
The strike against the boat occurred earlier this month, with the first drone attack remaining secret until Trump's public announcement. The US Southern Command area of responsibility covers the Caribbean and all of South America.
According to a report by The Intercept, a screenshot from Trump's Truth Social post on September 15 shows a U.S. military strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea. The image appears to be taken from a video posted by Trump, which has sparked concerns over the administration's handling of sensitive information.
The Pentagon's move to restrict congressional staff from attending the briefing has sparked concerns among experts and lawmakers alike. "This is a disturbing trend that undermines the principles of transparency and accountability in government," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a national security expert at Georgetown University. "Congress needs access to this information to ensure that the executive branch is acting within its authority."
The current status of the situation remains unclear, with no indication from the Pentagon or the White House as to when or if congressional staff will be allowed to attend the briefing. The next steps for lawmakers and experts will likely involve continued efforts to push for transparency and accountability in government.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said that the decision to restrict access to the briefing was made "to maintain secrecy and protect national security interests." However, critics argue that this move is an attempt to circumvent congressional oversight and undermine transparency. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the Trump administration's handling of sensitive information has sparked concerns over accountability and transparency in government.
This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.
