National security expert says Trump is ‘clear’ about crushing drug boats, illegal immigration

WASHINGTON, DC: A national security expert has reassured that President Donal Trump is “really clear” on his goals to stop drug boats and illegal immigration. National security analyst Dr Rebecca Grant joined Fox News Live to break down the US military’s growing presence in the Caribbean.

Dr Rebecca Grant says Trump aims to stop drug boats and illegal immigration

Host Griff Jenkins opened with the situation in the Caribbean and the state of Venezuela’s regime. "So what's your assessment of where things stand in the Caribbean and more specifically with the regime in Venezuela?" he asked.

Grant said Trump isn’t short on firepower or intention. “Well, Trump has some tremendous maritime surveillance and strike options in place," she began. 

"The Gravely, obviously part of the Ford Carrier Strike Group. Ford is our newest and biggest carrier. Carrier Wing 8's got a lot of great options. But this is all to keep pressure on Maduro. Remember, part of the Navy's mission is preventing piracy on the high seas." "Trump is really clear that he wants to end the drug boats, the illegal immigration, and all the chaos that those cartels are causing us," she insisted.

Rebecca Grant defends Trump’s military directives after Democrat criticism

Jenkins then brought up Democrats telling military and intelligence personnel they “don’t necessarily need to follow" all of Trump's directives.

Sen Alyssa Slotkin defended the message on ABC’s 'This Week,' where she was asked whether Trump had issued illegal orders. "So let's talk right now. Do you believe President Trump has issued any illegal orders?" Slotkin was asked.

“To my knowledge, I am not aware of things that are illegal, but certainly there are some legal gymnastics that are going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela,” Slotkin alleged. Jenkins asked Grant, "What do you make of that video, and how do you respond to her criticism?"

“I'm sure they're sorry they made that video, and I bet maybe they are too," she said. "As far as legal gymnastics, that makes no sense. Secretary Rubio has been very clear in designating the drug cartels, one as an imminent invasion threat. And so the State Department and Treasury have really laid out the basis for what the Department of War is doing. Now the War Department is not going to tell us much about it because it's an active intel op. But this is very precise, very clear, based on really strong maritime surveillance. They're hitting legitimate targets.”

F-35 sale to Saudi safe despite China hacking attempts

The conversation also delved into whether the US should sell F-35 jets to certain allies, and whether China is trying to hack the technology.

“Don't worry about the Saudi deal," Grant reassured. "Saudi Arabia has a highly capable air force. And most of all, you know, every foreign jet sale is kind of customized. So we do hold back some US-only technologies, but the Saudis will get the great infrared tracker, the great countercruise missile capabilities.

"The real magic of the F-35 is in our American factories, the engines, the stealth, the avionics, and of course, our tremendous pilots. So I think this is a good step. By the way, pretty long line at the factory in Texas with so many partners buying. So it will be a while before Saudi receives those planes," she insisted.

Jenkins pointed out that Beijing is not exactly known for innovation but has a reputation for “borrowing” technology.

Grant didn’t disagree. “Yes, they are. And they did try to hack F-35 data," she said. "What we've seen is a great tightening up of cybersecurity across the whole supply chain. It is a serious threat. But I'm telling you, China hasn't really cracked our key technologies yet. You can see that in the Air Force. They're always trying, but I don't see a risk in the Saudi F-35 sale. We're selling to many international partners, and we know how to take care of that technology.”

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