Speculation on Trump’s Military Use
On Friday night, MSNBC aired speculation regarding President Donald Trump’s potential use of the U.S. military to target American citizens. The Pentagon has deployed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to U.S. Southern Command to apply pressure on Venezuela and address cross-border cartel activities in South America. During a segment on “Deadline: The White House,” host Alicia Menendez raised concerns that this could breach international law and hinted at possible misuse of military force.
Menendez pointed out the alarming nature of police discussions around killing individuals suspected of drug trafficking, akin to enemy combatants instead of arresting them for prosecution. She asked Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols if this aligns with legal standards.
Nichols responded that such actions contradict both American law and international agreements to which the U.S. is a party. He elaborated on the implications of Trump’s assertion that he could direct military actions at will, including lethal force.
Nichols characterized Trump’s approach as a move to normalize military use for personal and political agendas. He suggested that the president is attempting to cultivate a perception that the military operates beyond established laws and traditions, indicating a deeper motive that might not necessarily relate to drug issues. Nichols also speculated about Trump’s potential distractions from ongoing scandals.
He remarked, “This is a shift away from his low approval ratings and scandal-ridden context, suggesting he aims to acclimatize the public to military force under his discretion.” Nichols speculated that Trump might even consider leveraging military action prior to the next election to deflect criticism toward his party.
In contrast to Nichols’ claims, polling data reveals that many Americans believe Trump is staying true to his campaign promises. CNN reported on October 7 that 52% of voters think Trump is meeting his 2024 campaign objectives.
Menendez reflected agreement with Nichols, noting their shared concerns about Trump’s possible motivations.
Meanwhile, drug traffickers are increasingly using sophisticated methods, like commercial vessels and low-flying aircraft, to bypass U.S. surveillance. In response to the challenges posed by Latin American cartels, the Trump administration sent naval forces to the Southern Caribbean in August, designating several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Following that, U.S. bombers have been spotted near Venezuelan airspace to assert military presence. Analysts caution that intensified pressure on Venezuela could potentially entangle the U.S. in a broader regional conflict. The administration has shifted focus to Colombia as well, with recent sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro shortly after he called for Trump’s removal from office.
