Bring Back Privateers to Take On Narco-Terrorist Pirates: Rep Tim Burchett [WATCH]

Republican lawmakers Tim Burchett and Mike Lee are pushing legislation that would allow private citizens to engage cartel operations in the Caribbean Sea through the use of letters of marque, a constitutional authority that has not been used in more than 200 years.

The proposal was discussed during an exchange on Fox & Friends, where co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy outlined the effort and its growing attention.

“Welcome back to Fox and Friends. Could privateers help take down cartels in the Caribbean Sea? Republican lawmakers Tim Burchett and Mike Lee hope so,” Campos-Duffy said.

“They’re introducing bills to both the House and the Senate respectively. The President would issue a Letter of Marque which lets private citizens act against us enemies and seize property, something that has has not been done for over 200 years, and it’s already gained support from Elon Musk, who says, quote, it would work super well.”

Burchett said the proposal is both constitutional and necessary, arguing that the United States is facing an active threat from cartel organizations.

“Well, first of all, we’re we’re basically under attack and and there’s constitutional consequences,” Burchett said.

“This was done by, I believe, President Jefferson, first the Barbary pilot pirates. It’s in the Constitution. It’s provided for. It just has to get congressional approval, and I think it’s a legitimate way to go after these, these cartels.”

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Burchett described cartels as armed combatants operating outside traditional military definitions, creating legal complications for direct military engagement.

“They’re not, they’re they’re, they’re armed combatants, so they’re not necessarily military. So there’s a constitutional question,” he said.

He also argued that congressional involvement in sensitive military actions has created challenges for national security decision-making, citing past criticism from Democrats when President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

“And as soon as you know, I remember back when President Trump took out some Soleimani, I believe it was, is an evil, evil man, and the Democrats in Congress, Pelosi and the rest of them, they were mad that they didn’t get his approval, as if he had to take out this dirt bag,” Burchett said.

Burchett said the letters of marque legislation would give President Trump another option for confronting cartels without deploying U.S. troops.

“And I think it just gives President Trump just another tool in this in his toolbox to go after him,” he said.

He also praised Lee for advancing the proposal in the Senate.

“And and Mike Lee is a superstar man. There’s like outside of Andy Biggs, I think he’s probably my favorite Mormon in Congress,” Burchett said.

Campos-Duffy then asked whether private citizens would realistically participate if the measure became law.

“Absolutely, ma’am,” Burchett responded. He said the bill is not designed to attract unqualified volunteers but highly trained professionals.

“They’re not going to run an added Soldier of Fortune magazine or down here at some at Toddy’s Back Door Tavern in Knoxville,” he said.

“They’ll have privateers that will be former operators. You’ll have seals, special operations people. It’ll be top notch.”

Burchett emphasized that the proposal includes safeguards and structure, including insurance requirements, and would rely on experienced individuals rather than ad hoc forces.

“There’s an insurance provision in this there’s all kinds of things that that are, it’s just not some ragtag thing like you’d see on on some movie somewhere,” he said.

“These are going to be first rate operators.”

He said the approach would allow the United States to confront cartel violence while avoiding extended constitutional disputes and limiting direct military involvement.

“And I think it’s a great way to do it, and it saves all the constitutional back and forth and keeps our military out of it,” Burchett said.

WATCH:

🚨 HUGE PROPS TO REP. TIM BURCHETT FOR FIGHTING THE CARTELS LIKE A BOSS 🚨

“Proud to work on Letters of Marque with @BasedMikeLee and have the support of @realDonaldTrump @elonmusk”@timburchett is leading the charge with bold legislation to revive Letters of Marque,… pic.twitter.com/QoR8IQXCuf

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 20, 2025