Launched Operation Southern Spear declaring non-international armed conflict with drug cartels
October 1, 2025
Systemic Escalation
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 4?
Declaration of armed conflict without Congressional authorization. Multiple guardrails bypassed: War Powers Resolution, Congressional authority, international law. Measurable harm to constitutional separation of powers and risk of military escalation.
What Happened
Context
President Trump declared the United States in 'non-international armed conflict' with illegal combatants related to drug cartels in the Caribbean region on October 1, 2025. The declaration authorized new military operations to attack ships and possible actions in Venezuela.
Action Taken
Declared the United States in 'non-international armed conflict' with illegal combatants related to drug cartels in the Caribbean region on October 1, 2025. The declaration authorized new military operations under Operation Southern Spear to attack ships and possible actions in Venezuela. The declaration was made without proper Congressional authorization or War Powers Resolution notification. Critics argued the declaration violated international law and escalate into broader military conflict.
In His Own Words
"We are at war with drug cartels."
"We will use military force to stop drug trafficking."
"Operation Southern Spear will eliminate the cartels."
What's Wrong
Declaration of 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels without proper Congressional authorization or War Powers Resolution notification. The declaration authorized military operations that escalate into broader conflict. Critics argued the declaration violated international law and bypassed Congressional oversight of military operations.
Impact
Constitutional: Declaration of armed conflict without Congressional authorization violates War Powers Resolution. Legal: Questions about authority to declare armed conflict and authorize military operations. Operational: Military operations authorized that escalate into broader conflict. International: Declaration violated international law and raised concerns about military escalation.