Stay Tuned with Preet Trump Admin Ramps Up Airstrikes (with Barb McQuade)
Oct 28, 2025
In this discussion, Barb McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney and law professor, dives into the controversial U.S. airstrikes targeting drug traffickers. She raises critical concerns about the legality of these strikes, suggesting they may constitute extrajudicial killings lacking clear authority. McQuade also critiques the role of the Office of Legal Counsel and its secret opinions, questioning their credibility. The conversation highlights the risks of erroneous lethal decisions and the uncertain factual basis guiding these military actions.
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Maximalist Executive Power Play
- The strikes reflect a maximalist push by the Trump administration to expand executive power without clear legal basis.
- Barb McQuade warns this approach treats extrajudicial killings as a power grab that may escape accountability.
Secret OLC Opinion Raises Doubts
- The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion exists but is secret and claimed to authorize the strikes.
- Experts doubt the hidden rationale and question what legal authorities OLC relied upon.
OLC's Controversial Track Record
- Historically, OLC has sometimes produced controversial legal rationales that expanded executive authority.
- McQuade cautions that political pressure can push OLC toward aggressive interpretations like in past terrorism memos.