Launched Operation Southern Spear declaring non-international armed conflict with drug cartels

Founders' Principles Violated

M

Madison

Checks & balances bypassed. Executive action without Congressional authority.

H

Hamilton

Executive power exceeded constitutional limits.

W

Washington

Personal ambition overriding institutional stability.

Guardrails Violated

War Powers Resolution

War Powers Resolution requirements for Congressional notification and authorization bypassed.

Congressional Authority

Congressional authority and oversight bypassed.

International Law

International legal norms and sovereignty principles violated.

Trigger

President Trump declared the United States in 'non-international armed conflict' with illegal combatants related to drug cartels in the Caribbean region on October 1, 2025. The declaration authorized new military operations to attack ships and possible actions in Venezuela.

Action Taken

Declared the United States in 'non-international armed conflict' with illegal combatants related to drug cartels in the Caribbean region on October 1, 2025. The declaration authorized new military operations under Operation Southern Spear to attack ships and possible actions in Venezuela. The declaration was made without proper Congressional authorization or War Powers Resolution notification. Critics argued the declaration violated international law and could escalate into broader military conflict.

In His Own Words

"We are at war with drug cartels."

"We will use military force to stop drug trafficking."

"Operation Southern Spear will eliminate the cartels."

What's Wrong

Declaration of 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels without proper Congressional authorization or War Powers Resolution notification. The declaration authorized military operations that could escalate into broader conflict. Critics argued the declaration violated international law and bypassed Congressional oversight of military operations.

Impact

Constitutional: Declaration of armed conflict without Congressional authorization violates War Powers Resolution. Legal: Questions about authority to declare armed conflict and authorize military operations. Operational: Military operations authorized that could escalate into broader conflict. International: Declaration violated international law and raised concerns about military escalation.

Sources & Full Details

Primary Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_strikes_on_alleged_drug_traffickers_during_Operation_Southern_Spear

Background

President Trump declared the United States in 'non-international armed conflict' with illegal combatants related to drug cartels in the Caribbean region on October 1, 2025. The declaration authorized new military operations under Operation Southern Spear. The declaration was made without proper Congressional authorization. Critics argued the declaration violated international law.

Why Level 4?

Systemic escalation: Declaration of armed conflict without Congressional authorization. Multiple guardrails bypassed: War Powers Resolution, Congressional authority, international law. Measurable harm to constitutional separation of powers and risk of military escalation.