Senator Rand Paul voiced significant concerns on NBC's "Meet the Press" regarding President Donald Trump's strategies toward Venezuela and the handling of suspected drug traffickers. The Kentucky Republican questioned the legality and morality of striking unidentified boats and proposed direct attacks on Venezuelan territory.

Paul highlighted the ethical implications of these actions, stressing the importance of due process. "When you kill someone, you should know, if you're not at war, not in a declared war, you really need to know someone's name at least," he argued on the show. He pointed out the absence of evidence or trials for those killed under these policies, saying, "All of these people have been blown up without us knowing their name, without any evidence of a crime."

The senator also cast doubt on the practicality of assuming all boats coming from the Venezuelan coast are heading to the U.S. He suggested that these boats are more likely targeting nearby islands like Trinidad and Tobago. He criticized the extreme measure of destroying suspected drug-running ships, citing Coast Guard statistics to underscore potential errors in such aggressive tactics. "If our policy now is to blow up every ship we suspect or accuse of drug running, that would be a bizarre world in which 25 percent of the people might be innocent,” Paul explained.

Moreover, Paul questioned the wisdom of publicly announcing covert operations against Venezuela. "If you announce that you're going to have covert CIA action, it's no longer covert," he stated. He expressed concern over some administration members pushing for conflict with Venezuela, suggesting a long-term agenda at play.

This critique is not new for Paul, who has previously clashed with other government figures over similar issues. He has been outspoken against what he views as reckless and unethical foreign policy decisions, emphasizing the need for a more measured and principled approach.

Despite his criticisms, Paul reaffirmed his personal regard for Trump. "I've known the president for over a decade," he said, recalling their times playing golf and his support during Trump’s impeachment. "I think he's one of the best presidents, if not the best president, of my lifetime. But it doesn't mean I will sit quietly and say, 'Oh well, whatever you want to do.'"

Senator Paul’s comments reflect a growing concern over the administration's foreign policy and its implications for international law and human rights.