Trump Declares "Armed Conflict" with Drug Cartels: Legal Justification for Military Strikes off Venezuela Coast

Oct 03, 2025 06:15 am CST

President Trump has officially notified Congress that the United States is engaged in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, justifying recent deadly military strikes on suspected drug boats near Venezuela. The controversial designation raises significant legal questions about presidential authority and the application of war powers against non-state actors in maritime drug interdiction operations.