January 1, Rubio Blasts Europe Over Drug Boat Attacks Criticism

Wyatt’s Take

• Rubio called out Europe for questioning U.S. drug war tactics.
• He said defending America from cartels comes first.
• Europe wants defense help but pushes back on U.S. actions at home.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed European leaders for attacking U.S. strikes on drug-running boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. Speaking at a G-7 summit, Rubio brushed off the criticism as interference in America’s right to protect itself.

“I don’t think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is. What they certainly don’t get to determine is how the United States defends its national security,” Rubio said when asked about European complaints.

He accused these leaders of hypocrisy, pointing out that they want American weapons and help in Europe, but object when the U.S. takes action in its own backyard.

“I do find it interesting that all these countries want us to send and supply, for example, nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles to defend Europe, but when the United States positions aircraft carriers in our hemisphere, where we live, somehow that’s a problem?” Rubio said.

The U.S. military moved aircraft carriers and warships off Venezuela and in the Pacific, targeting smuggling routes used by drug cartels. About 20 boats and submarines moving fentanyl and cocaine have been destroyed by American forces in these operations.

Some foreign officials have raised concerns over the strikes, saying they break “international law” and should be stopped entirely. The UK has even paused intelligence sharing over fears it could be dragged into the fight.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized the U.S. at the summit and warned the military actions could spell trouble for the region.

“Military operations in the Caribbean region … violate international law,” Barrot said.

Want news that stands up for American priorities? Stick with us and get the heartland truth every day.

Wyatt Matters

Americans want safety in their own communities and expect leaders to protect the country first. Our working families live with the consequences of drug trafficking, and it’s time Washington puts us ahead of foreign critics.

Read more