What A Day Trump’s Deadly Attacks in the Caribbean Sea
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Oct 22, 2025 Tess Bridgeman, co-editor-in-chief of Just Security and former White House legal adviser, dives into the legality of recent U.S. strikes in the Caribbean, which have seen a controversial number of fatalities. She discusses the administration's claims linking the strikes to drug trafficking, highlighting the lack of solid evidence. Tess also explores the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations, including covert CIA operations and the dangers of escalating military action. The conversation sheds light on potential congressional checks on presidential military power.
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Fentanyl Narrative Doesn’t Fit Venezuela
- The White House frames the strikes as stopping fentanyl despite little evidence Venezuela is a major fentanyl source.
- Jane Coaston and guest note experts identify Mexico, not Venezuela, as the primary fentanyl source.
Legal Basis For Strikes Is Missing
- The U.S. has no clear legal justification to use military force against unarmed boats absent an armed attack or imminent threat.
- Tess Bridgeman says these strikes lack the self-defense or armed-conflict basis required under international law.
Claims Lack Substantiating Evidence
- The administration has not substantiated claims that the struck vessels carried drug traffickers.
- Congressional briefings left members unsatisfied about who was aboard and what evidence existed, Bridgeman says.