'Not as effective as they could be': Rep Michael McCaul analyzes US retaliatory actions in Middle East on 'Fox & Friends'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Texas Rep Michael McCaul, Chairman o the House Foreign Relations Committee, sat down with co-host Brian Kilmeade to discuss the retaliatory actions taken by the United States in the Middle East on the February 5 episode of 'Fox & Friends.'

While he stood by the US strikes on enemy bases, the Congressman felt that their impact was not as severe as it could have been.

Michael McCaul's opinion on the effectiveness of the strikes

In response to Kilmeade's question over the effectiveness of the "80 plus" strikes, McCaul stated, "I mean, effective in terms of (targeting) command and control structure of Iraq, Syria, Yemen, IRGC, which is the Iranian special forces."

"However, this was telegraphed over a week in advance, like dropping leaf letters down to the ground. A week of preparation to get out - and that's what happened. The IRGC was able to pull its assets and itself out of Iraq and Syria and Yemen prior to the strikes," he continued.

"While the strikes were good, I don't think they were as effective as they could have been."

Sending a message

The co-host followed up by asking whether it was a "smart" move to hit Iran "off the table."

"I think for now, I would back-channel that to the Ayatollah," responded the Congressman, "That if you continue killing US servicemen and women, that we will hit you inside of Iran."

"I hope the administration is doing that. We're hearing mixed reviews in the administration about what they would or wouldn't do. I know Kirby (Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs) said they would not do it. You don't telegraph what you wouldn't do 'cause that always gives the enemy more power," he added.

Michael McCaul's take on the border bill

While McCaul applauded Sen James Lankford for his efforts with the border bill, he did not feel confident that it would be passed in the Senate.

"I think what we wanted in the House were significant political asylum claim reforms, like remain in Mexico - that is not in this bill. In fact, when (talking) about political asylum, they take out the prosecutor and the judge and allow US CIS to remove the immigrant into the United States with an ankle bracelet or a work permit," he stated.

"I think that's going to provide a pull factor, not a push factor outside the United States," he added.