Lawfare Daily Trump Administration Escalates Military War on Cartels
Dec 5, 2025
The podcast dives into the Trump administration's controversial decision to use military force against cartel smuggling vessels. Supporters claim this is a necessary preemptive action for national security, while critics warn of potential war crimes and civilian casualties. Recent strikes have raised concerns about legalities and humanitarian impacts, as lawmakers push for accountability. The discussion highlights a strategic shift in U.S. drug policy, signaling a dangerous new phase in the war on drugs with unpredictable consequences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Policing To Preemptive Military Action
- The Trump administration has shifted from border policing to offensive military strikes against suspected cartel vessels.
- Officials frame the strikes as preemptive national security actions to stop drugs before they reach U.S. streets.
Pattern Of Repeated Lethal Strikes
- The U.S. has carried out 22 lethal strikes on suspected smuggling vessels since September, killing alleged cartel operatives.
- Critics label some attacks unlawful or even war crimes, especially after reported strikes on survivors.
Cartels Treated As Foreign Enemies
- Supporters portray the campaign as correcting decades of lenient enforcement by treating cartels like foreign enemies.
- That reframing allows use of military tools rather than traditional criminal prosecutions.