Washington– The Marine general took advantage Command of US military operations in Latin America He told lawmakers on Thursday that he was prepared to oversee the expanded presence that began earlier Arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro – But he doesn’t know how long this enhanced focus will last.
If approved by the Senate, Lieutenant General Francis Donovan will take command of US Southern Command. He replaces Rear Adm. Alvin Hulseywho retired last year amid increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration Fatal strikes on alleged drug boats In the region, it is a notable extension of American power in Latin America.
US forces earlier this month Overthrow and arrest of Madurothe culmination of a pressure campaign that began with the largest Military buildup in the region Generations ago and extended to dozens of attacks on boats accused of drug smuggling Confiscation of sanctioned oil tankers Linked to Venezuela.
Democrats and Sen. Angus King, R-Maine Independent, pressed Donovan for details on how he would oversee Southern Command and for an outline of the Trump administration’s long-term plans for the region. But Donovan said he didn’t know.
“So you don’t know what the plan is now? You don’t know why there are all those ships, planes, and soldiers there?” The king asked.
“Senator, I don’t do that,” Donovan said, explaining that he is not involved in military plans for the region in his current position as deputy commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
But Donovan acknowledged that renewed interest in Latin America would likely lead to changes at Southern Command, which is headquartered in Doral, Florida.
“Do you expect, because of this pivot to the Western Hemisphere, that this year’s SouthCom will be much different than last year’s SouthCom?” asked Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat.
“Yes I do,” Donovan replied.
The confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee was the latest attempt by some lawmakers to question the Trump administration about its military operations in Latin America and its justifications for the boat strikes, which has raised concerns. On international law and the use of force.
Lawmakers also questioned Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, nominated to lead the National Security Agency, about his views on surveillance and concerns that the NSA could be used against innocent Americans.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst, said she was concerned that the Trump administration might order the NSA to spy on Americans because of their political views or speech, something she said is expressly prohibited under federal law.
“Are you going to refuse that?” Slotkin asked who he was? One of several Democratic lawmakers who say they are facing a criminal investigation by the Trump administration After appearing in a video urging service members to resist illegal orders.
“Senator, if appointed, I will carry out my responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws,” Rudd said.
The NSA has been without a permanent director since then Trump fired General Tim Hof last year. The NSA director also runs the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, giving it a critical role in the country’s defensive and offensive cyber capabilities.
Lawmakers from both parties said they expect the nominations to be approved. The vote has not been announced.