U.S. Military Conducts Second Strike on Suspected Venezuelan Drug Boat, Raising legal Questions
WASHINGTON – The U.S. military has again engaged a vessel allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela, resulting in three fatalities, according to a statement released by President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred Monday (September 15, 2025) in international waters, marks the second such action authorized by the Trump governance in as many weeks and is sparking debate over the scope of presidential authority and the legality of using military force for drug interdiction.
Trump announced the strike via a Truth Social post, stating the targeted individuals were “confirmed narcoterrorists” transporting illegal narcotics destined for the U.S. he further asserted that these cartels “pose a threat to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.” The administration previously authorized a similar strike on August 28, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals aboard a suspected drug-carrying speedboat.
The Trump administration has defended both actions as necessary to curb the flow of drugs into the United States. However, the escalating use of military force against suspected drug traffickers has drawn criticism from members of Congress. several senators, spanning both Democratic and Republican parties, have expressed concerns about a potential overreach of executive power, particularly regarding the deployment of the military in a traditionally law enforcement role. The legal basis for these strikes remains a point of contention, wiht some lawmakers questioning whether they comply with established legal frameworks.