Crawford: Drug shipments amount to ‘chemical warfare’ against U.S.

First District Congressman Rick Crawford

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford said President Donald Trump is “keeping Americans safe” through recent military strikes on small boats suspected of carrying drugs from South America, describing the shipments as “chemical warfare against the United States.” The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported his comments on Wednesday.

Crawford, a Jonesboro Republican who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said he could not discuss operational details but defended the administration’s approach. The remarks follow a Sept. 2 incident in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized an initial Navy attack on a suspected drug vessel, followed by a second strike targeting two survivors.

Other Arkansas lawmakers echoed support. Sen. Tom Cotton told the Democrat-Gazette the strikes are “legal and necessary,” citing nearly 400 drug overdose deaths in Arkansas last year.

During a Tuesday telephone town hall, Rep. Steve Womack said he trusts the military’s vetting of targets unless intelligence indicates otherwise. He emphasized that judge advocate general officers review the legality of operations before strikes occur.

The White House has argued that Vice Adm. Frank Bradley acted within his authority. The moves come as the administration expands its anti-drug strategy, including tariffs, designating Latin American crime groups as terrorist organizations, and signaling that further military action is possible.