Trump's Murder in Venezuela: A Plain Truth

The Escalation of Military Force and the Shadow of Extrajudicial Killings

The Trump administration's use of military force against alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela has raised serious concerns about due process, international law, and the expansion of executive power. These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of militarization that reflects a troubling trend within the national security state.

On September 15, 2025, the Trump White House announced another military strike on a boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. This was the second such strike in just two weeks. On September 2, a similar attack occurred, killing eleven people aboard a small speedboat in international waters. The U.S. government shared footage of these attacks on social media, framing them as justified acts of self-defense against drug cartels. However, the administration has provided no evidence that any of the victims were involved in drug trafficking or affiliated with a cartel.

The rationale for these strikes is based on the claim that drug cartels are terrorist organizations and that their activities pose a threat to the United States. However, this logic is deeply flawed. Drug trafficking is a criminal offense, not an act of war, and the Coast Guard has established protocols for intercepting suspect vessels. Instead of following these procedures, the U.S. military has opted for lethal force, raising serious questions about the legality of these actions.

A History of National Security Overreach

The use of military force against suspected criminals is not new. In the early days of his term, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime measure that allows the president to detain and deport noncitizens based on their national origin during times of war or invasion. The administration claimed that a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, was invading the U.S., despite intelligence community assessments that found no evidence of such a connection.

In addition to this, Trump designated several Latin American cartels as “Foreign Terrorist Organizations” and signed a secret order allowing the Department of War to take military action against these groups. However, in a report required by the War Powers Resolution, Trump did not specify which group the individuals allegedly belonged to, further undermining the legitimacy of these actions.

This pattern of using military force to address domestic and international criminal issues is part of a broader strategy that includes escalating tensions with Venezuela. During Trump’s first term, the administration brought a highly questionable indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for drug trafficking. The U.S. also increased the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, doubling the reward once offered for Osama bin Laden.

The Legacy of Extrajudicial Killings

The U.S. has a long history of extrajudicial killings, dating back to the Cold War era. The CIA was involved in plotting the assassination of foreign leaders, and during the Vietnam War, the Phoenix Program resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected Vietcong members. More recently, the U.S. has been involved in targeted killings in the Middle East, often under the guise of counterterrorism efforts.

While the Bush and Obama administrations expanded the use of drones for targeted killings, these actions were conducted under the assumption that the U.S. was engaged in an international armed conflict with specific groups. However, there is no such conflict between the U.S. and drug runners. Congress has not authorized military action against drug cartels, and the legal justification for these strikes remains weak.

The War on Drugs or Regime Change?

Trump’s actions against Venezuela are not solely about drug enforcement; they are part of a larger effort to undermine the country’s left-wing government. The administration has accused President Maduro of being the head of the “Cartel de los Soles,” a claim that experts have refuted. There is no evidence that Venezuela is a major player in international drug trafficking, and the existence of the Cartel de los Soles remains unproven.

These claims serve to justify a military buildup and a renewed push for regime change. For decades, successive U.S. governments have sought to destabilize left-wing regimes in Latin America, and Trump’s policies are consistent with this pattern. His administration has imposed harsh sanctions on Venezuela, which have contributed to a humanitarian crisis and a refugee influx that Trump has exploited for political gain.

The Threat of Authoritarianism

Trump’s second term represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tendencies and the expansion of executive power. His actions have placed the U.S. on the brink of war with Venezuela and have set a troubling precedent for the use of military force without congressional approval. While many liberals have focused on resisting Trump’s authoritarianism, they have largely ignored the broader issue of militarism and the unchecked power of the national security state.

As Trump continues to expand the reach of the presidency, the need for accountability and oversight becomes more urgent. The legacy of American militarism and the dangers it poses must be addressed, not only to prevent future conflicts but to protect the principles of due process and the rule of law.