Marine General Nominee Faces Tough Senate Questions Over Expanded U.S. Role in Latin America

The Marine Corps general nominated to lead U.S. military operations across Latin America told senators he is prepared to manage an enlarged U.S. presence that began before Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was removed — but he said he does not know how long that heightened posture will continue.

Background

If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan would assume command of U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom), replacing Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired last year amid increased scrutiny related to the administration’s strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking. U.S. forces earlier this month removed and detained Maduro after a pressure campaign that included what officials described as the largest U.S. military buildup in the Western Hemisphere in generations, dozens of strikes on boats alleged to be smuggling drugs, and seizures of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela.

Senate Hearing

At a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrats and Independent Sen. Angus King pressed Donovan for details on how he would lead SouthCom and for a clearer outline of the administration’s long-term strategy in the region. Donovan said he was ready to lead but did not yet have specifics on the administration’s plans.

“So you don’t know what the plan is now? You don’t know why all those ships and aircraft and soldiers are there?” Sen. Angus King asked.

“Senator, I do not,” Donovan replied, explaining that in his current role as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command he is not directly involved in theater-level operational planning.

Donovan acknowledged the renewed emphasis on Latin America is likely to change how SouthCom operates. “Yes I do,” he told Sen. Mark Kelly when asked if SouthCom this year would need to operate differently than last year. SouthCom is headquartered in Doral, Florida.

Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd testifies during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Concerns Raised Over Legality And Oversight

Lawmakers used the hearing to question the administration’s rationale for the boat strikes and other recent actions, citing concerns about international law, rules on the use of force, and oversight of expanded military activity in the region.

Separate Questioning Of NSA Nominee

Senators also questioned Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, nominated to lead the National Security Agency (NSA), about surveillance policy and safeguards against domestic misuse. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, voiced concern that the NSA could be directed to monitor Americans for political views or speech — actions she said federal law forbids.

“Will you reject that?” Slotkin asked.

“Senator, if confirmed, I will execute my responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws,” Rudd answered.

The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Trump dismissed Gen. Tim Haugh last year. The NSA director also traditionally heads U.S. Cyber Command, a dual role central to the nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

What Comes Next

Senators from both parties said they expect the nominations to be approved, though no Senate vote has been scheduled. Lawmakers indicated they will continue monitoring the evolving U.S. posture in Latin America and seek further clarity on rules, authorities and oversight governing any expanded operations.