The Dangers of Undermining U.S. Civil–Military Relations

Imprimis ^ | December 2025 | Mackubin Thomas Owens

[Retain Mike]

Trump’s critics charge him with violating both domestic and international law by using the U.S. military to target drug cartels and drug runners, claiming that his actions are unprecedented. But as far back as the Reagan administration in 1986, U.S. Army infantry and aviation assets operated with Bolivian forces against drug producers in that country. And in 1993, President Bill Clinton issued a Presidential Decision Directive on Counternarcotics in the Western Hemisphere, assigning a substantial role in drug interdiction to the military.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 1995 authorized use of military assets in drug interdiction: 14 USC Section 526 authorizes firing on vessels carrying drugs, and 8 USC Section 1189 authorizes the designation of narco-terror groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, unlocking powers used by every administration since 9/11. As for international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea authorizes military force against suspected stateless vessels engaged in piracy and slave trafficking, essentially labeling them hostis humani generis, meaning enemies of mankind.

The Trump administration has proceeded in accordance with legal prudence. Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, properly sought legal justification for the strikes on suspected drug boats. Subsequently, the Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel advised the Pentagon that the strikes were legal under both U.S. and international law, that all strikes have been conducted in “complete compliance with the law of armed conflict,” and that U.S. troops would not be exposed to prosecution for carrying out the orders. It is legitimate to argue that Trump’s policy regarding these strikes is wrongheaded, but it is not unprecedented. Indeed, his interpretation of what constitutes the boundary of his military authority is historically ordinary.

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TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Military/Veterans; Society
KEYWORDS: civil; drugs; military

[Retain Mike]

As the military hits the 35th drug boat, and after the video concerning supposedly “illegal orders”, and after the War Powers vote, this article seems timely. I appreciated his integrity to take a position regarding lawfulness, even though he considers the actions wrongheaded and imprudent.

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

Great article. Thanks. I especially like his explanation of how Lincoln dealt with a copperhead.

[Bookshelf]

Who in hell targeted Che Guevara in Bolivia?

[Retain Mike]

Thank you.

[Retain Mike]

Thank you.

[Paperpusher]

Dont try to confuse a Dim with real facts. They like to make them up as they go along.

[Retain Mike]

Now that I am retired, I do enjoy the opportunities I have to at least be irritating.