David Cole on Trump's 'Cold-Blooded Murder' of Suspected Drug Smugglers and CIA Covert Action

Legality of U.S. Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats

• 🎯 David Cole argues that President Trump is committing homicide by executing individuals without trial, likening the strikes on suspected drug boats to "cold-blooded murder."
• ⚖️ Cole states that the U.S. lacks the legal authority to execute people from the sky without evidence or due process, even if they are suspected drug smugglers.
• ⚠️ The U.S. is not at war, and the individuals on these boats are civilians not engaged in hostilities, making them unlawful targets under international law.

CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela

• 🚀 President Trump has authorized the CIA to carry out lethal covert operations inside Venezuela, aimed at regime change.
• 💥 This action raises fears of a potential military confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela.
• 🌐 The targeting of Venezuela is seen as a political action, flexing muscle against a weaker nation rather than an effective strategy to stop drug smuggling into the U.S.

Rule of Law and Accountability

• 🚨 Cole emphasizes that if a foreign country were to execute Americans on suspicion of smuggling, the U.S. would treat it as an act of war.
• 📜 Under domestic law, these actions are considered murder; under international law, they are war crimes.
• 🏛️ Cole criticizes the lack of outrage over these actions, noting that even the death penalty in the U.S. requires a rigorous legal process, which is absent in these extrajudicial killings.

Slippery Slope and Domestic Implications

• 🗣️ Cole expresses concern that the rationale used to justify killing without trial overseas could be applied domestically.
• ✊ He points to the Attorney General comparing these tactics to how Antifa might be dealt with, indicating a dangerous precedent.
• 📢 Cole urges public action, particularly on "No King's Day," to show opposition to a president who kills illegally in the nation's name and to prevent a slide towards authoritarianism.

International Law and Immunity

• 🌍 While President Trump may have immunity from prosecution in the U.S., he does not have immunity from international prosecution.
• ⚖️ Individuals who participate in these alleged murders can be tried in international tribunals.
• 🇵🇭 The case of former Philippine President Duterte, facing trial at the International Court for similar actions, is cited as an example.