Over the last few weeks, Donald Trump has authorized the use of military force to take out alleged drug cartel boats.
Numerous strikes have already been carried out, operations that have left no survivors except for the one that took place this week. Now, the president has hinted that he may greenlight an attack on Venezuelan soil.
These operations fall under the purview of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), but its commanding officer just announced retirement plans, creating quite a buzz as to why he is unexpectedly exiting the service.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Trump had greenlit another drone strike against an alleged cartel drug boat.
This time, unlike in prior strikes, there were reportedly several survivors.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched, but it was not clear whether anyone was ultimately recovered.
This was, I believe, the sixth strike carried out since Trump declared cartels and drug gangs as terrorists.
Carrying out a strike in international waters is one thing, but carrying out a strike on foreign soil would bring complex legal ramifications into the conversation, including whether Trump possesses the authority to order such an operation without advance congressional approval.
Trump, however, stated, "We are certainly looking at land now because we've got the sea very well under control.”
He later added, "A lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea, so you get to see that, but we're going to stop them by land also.”
To be clear, I love the new strategy of fighting drugs from coming into the country, but I am just not sure about the legalities of the president's approach. I am sure Trump's plans will eventually be challenged, or the administration may even be sued for wrongful death, so that is something on which we must watch and wait. These waters are extremely muddied, and even my legal contacts are mixed on how they think the controversy might turn out for Trump.
Adm. Alvin Holsey is the current leader of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which has been tasked with carrying out these strikes.
On Friday, reports surfaced that Holsey had turned in his resignation, with the speculation being that he may not have been on board with this new strategy of Trump’s. He stated, "The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so. I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe."
There has been no further comment as to why Holsey is leaving, and Secretary of War Pete Hegsehth only offered a brief comment thanking the admiral for his service to the country.
I think there is far more to this picture than we are seeing right now, and I definitely believe Holsey's departure is somehow connected to the aforementioned change in policy. Is Holsey worried about the legal repercussions of these strikes? Does he not support the mission? My guess is that those questions will be answered in the coming weeks after he leaves the Navy, as I am sure he will start doing the media rounds to let his opinion on all of this be known. Just keep in mind, Holsey was elevated to this position by then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, so he is not Hegseth's or Trump's guy.
