What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump Blew Up 11 People. Is That Legal?
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Sep 10, 2025 
Shane Harris, a national security writer for The Atlantic, and Ana Vanessa Herrero, a journalist from Caracas, delve into a controversial military action announced by Donald Trump, which resulted in the deaths of 11 alleged drug traffickers. They explore the legal ramifications of such acts in international waters, questioning the justification for this violence. The discussion touches on the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela, extrajudicial killings, and the implications of shifting military strategies in the war on drugs.
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President Publicly Announced Lethal Strike
- The Trump administration publicly celebrated a strike that killed 11 people in international waters and claimed they were drug smugglers.
- Officials released a video and called it a warning without providing evidence linking the victims to a cartel.
Many Key Facts Remain Unsubstantiated
- Journalists noted major unanswered questions about who was on the boat and whether they were actually smugglers.
- Shane Harris said the strike's casual presentation suggested a messaging purpose beyond law enforcement.
Sparse Legal Justification Was Provided
- The administration provided minimal legal justification in its War Powers letter and skipped a Hill briefing.
- The letter cited Article II self-defense but lacked evidence and legal standards for the strike.