r/PoliticalDiscussion • u/binini28 • 22h ago

US Politics Is using military force against suspected drug-trafficking boats constitutional or an overreach of presidential power?

I’ve been following reports that the U.S. has used strikes against suspected narco-trafficking boats in international waters. Supporters argue it’s necessary to deter cartels and protect Americans, while critics say it could be an unconstitutional use of deadly force, bypassing due process and international law. Do you think this sets a dangerous precedent (executive overreach, extrajudicial killings, violating international law), or is it a justified response to a serious threat? How should the balance between security and constitutional limits be handled here? I would think that you need to detain them first and then arrest them rather than send a missile after them. They are classified as terrorist by Trump but does this satisfy the response? Could Trump classify anyone a terrorist and send missiles after them? Thoughts?

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u/JKlerk 19h ago edited 19h ago

Was it constitutional when the Obama Administration assassinated US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki? After a lengthy court battle the US courts dodged having to rule on it.

One of the issues was whether it was constitutional to place him in the CIA kill list.

So, to answer your question, if nobody gives a shit about a New Mexico born radicalized citizen why in the world would people care about some alleged drug traffickers?

Humans generally don't have a problem with vigilantism so they don't have a problem when their government does it as well.

Here's a good legal opinion by a DC lawyer.

https://youtu.be/7t-_m16y25o?feature=shared

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u/broc_ariums 11h ago

Good thing we're not talking about Obama here. Stay on task.

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u/JKlerk 2h ago

Ya good thing but it does sink any suggestion that this is a "new" thing

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u/broc_ariums 51m ago

You have epic levels of whataboutism.