URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are leading a critical push for transparency regarding the Trump Administration’s controversial airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. In a letter sent today, the senators are demanding the declassification and public release of a key legal memo from the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) concerning these lethal military actions.
This call comes as the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Reed is the Ranking Member, has finally reviewed the classified OLC opinion in a closed setting. The Trump Administration has conducted 21 unauthorized military strikes that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 83 people, primarily off the coast of Venezuela.
“Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We believe that declassifying this important document is essential to enhance transparency and ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justifications for these strikes,” the senators stated.
Joining Blumenthal and Reed in this urgent request are fellow senators including Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), among others.
The demand for transparency comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the administration’s military strategies. Many lawmakers are concerned about the implications of these strikes without congressional approval, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity in military actions.
WHAT’S NEXT: The senators expect a response from Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the declassification by December 3, 2025. This development is critical as it may shape the future of military engagement and legal oversight in the U.S.
In a related legislative move, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and other congressional Democrats introduced the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act, aiming to reverse significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made by the Republican Budget Betrayal. This legislation seeks to provide essential food assistance to millions of Americans facing increasing grocery prices.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally urgent issue, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has publicly condemned the Trump Administration’s attempts to silence him for voicing legal concerns, stating, “What he is doing is sending a very chilling message across our entire nation.” Kelly emphasizes his commitment to accountability and transparency.
The political landscape is shifting rapidly as these developments unfold. With the potential for significant legal ramifications and impacts on food security, lawmakers are gearing up for crucial discussions in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
