Trump’s Controversial Caribbean Strike Raises Legal and Ethical Questions

One under-discussed story: Trump sank a vessel in the Caribbean, killing 11. Was it drug-related? This raises pressing questions about military limits.

September 6, 2025

Controversial Maritime Incident Raises Questions

In a recent and scarcely debated incident, President Trump ordered the destruction of a vessel in the Caribbean, suspected of transporting narcotics.

The White House justified the action by suggesting the ship was likely moving drugs from Venezuela to the U.S., resulting in the deaths of all 11 people aboard.

Questions loom over the military’s role in drug enforcement, including why interception wasn’t attempted and whether Trump had congressional approval for such an action in South America.

Historically, U.S. lawmakers of both parties have often overlooked presidential actions deemed as “national security,” but Trump’s aggressive measures highlight the consequences of such indifference.

This incident aligns with Trump’s strategy to deploy the National Guard across U.S. cities under the guise of combating crime, even as troops in Washington, D.C., remain largely inactive due to the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

While the Act allows military involvement in drug monitoring, it does not permit arrests or destruction of vessels, raising concerns about potential overreach.

The attack is seen as a classic case of “creating pretext,” where a government creates a justification for predetermined actions. By reclassifying drugs as a national security issue, the military may gain broader authority for raids and detentions.

Trump’s focus on Democratic-led cities with lower crime rates than some Republican states suggests an agenda beyond law enforcement, potentially aimed at quelling dissent.

While congressional Democrats hesitate to confront these actions, fearing a perception of weakness on crime, they may find unexpected allies if they address this as an issue of unauthorized military force.

ICYMI

AJN contributor Bonnie Fuller interviewed Dr. Lou Rubino, who left Texas due to restrictive abortion laws.

“Leaving Texas has been a relief,” Rubino stated. “Here in Virginia, I can focus on patients and provide care in the right ways—medically, safely. You see, I took an oath as a doctor, and I take it very seriously.”

Rubino’s experience highlights the impact of stringent abortion restrictions on healthcare access nationwide.

WATCH AN AD

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 has released an advertisement featuring E.J. Antoni, Trump’s nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Trump dismissed former BLS chief Erika McEntarfer over unfavorable job reports. Antoni’s nomination is viewed by some as a partisan move that could skew economic data.

The ad aims to persuade Republican senators to back Antoni’s appointment and will be broadcast on TV and online. Check it out!