White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told Newsmax that no one should question President Donald Trump's decision to order military strikes to stop illegal drug shipments from reaching America.
Kelly told "National Report" on Monday, "As commander in chief of our country, he absolutely has the authority to stop narco-terrorists from trying to kill Americans with these illicit narcotics."
Kelly said Democrats even used that nonissue to try to divert attention away from their votes to keep the government shut down.
"I'm sure your viewers know during the Democrat shutdown, one of the things that Democrats were doing to lie about their extended pain and suffering they were inflicting on the American people was complaining about transparency with regard to the president's strikes on narco-terrorists trying to smuggle drugs into our country," she said.
She said the White House has been more than open despite complaints from some members of Congress that they haven't been given enough information about the strikes.
"We've now had well over a dozen bipartisan briefings on the Hill, making sure that we're keeping the Hill and elected officials there apprised of what we're doing on Venezuela and on these narco-terrorists," she said.
Kelly said Trump won't let the narco-terrorists bring drugs into America if there's a way to stop them.
"The president will continue to take every possible step to stop the flood of illegal drugs into our country, which is exactly what he was elected to do," she said.
When asked about the potential of Trump opening an avenue for direct communication with Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, Kelly said anything is possible.
"There are a number of options that this president still has. All options on the table," she said. "And, of course, as we've been very clear, [Maduro] is not the legitimate ruler of Venezuela.
"He is the leader of a narco-terrorist cartel."
Kelly added, "It's no surprise, given this president's strong action, that Maduro wants to talk.
"But look, all options remain on the table to take on this scourge of narco-terrorism that is killing Americans."
Trump has ordered regular military strikes to stop drug smuggling boats from reaching U.S. shores.
Many Republicans cheer the bombing.
Detractors have complained about the strikes. Trump told reporters on Sunday that he wonders about their motives.
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Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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