On Point | Podcast How presidents use the U.S. military in the war on drugs
Sep 16, 2025
Vera Bergengruen, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hurtling and law professor Mary Ellen O'Connell to discuss the controversial use of military force in the war on drugs. They dissect President Trump's order for military action against Venezuelan drug trafficking and its implications on human rights. The conversation raises critical ethical questions about military strategy and the effectiveness of such operations, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to combat drug cartels.
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Military Strikes Without Public Evidence
- The Trump administration used military strikes on suspected drug boats, claiming imminent threat and narco-terrorist designations.
- Pentagon briefings lacked conclusive public evidence about targets, cargos, or locations, raising legal and oversight concerns.
War-On-Terror Logic Applied To Drugs
- The administration framed drug traffickers as foreign terrorists to justify military action.
- This imports post‑9/11 counterterrorism language and tactics into the Western Hemisphere.
Prioritize Coast Guard Interdiction
- Use law enforcement (Coast Guard) as the lead for maritime interdiction and reserve military force as support.
- Identify, stop, and search vessels rather than striking them immediately to preserve legality and reduce civilian harm.