The Trump administration has sunk to a new low, engaging in an unprecedented act of violence against human beings in distress. In a series of 22 deadly strikes on what the US claims are drug boats, at least 87 people have lost their lives. The most recent incident, which killed four men, has sparked outrage and raised questions about the administration's accountability.
The situation is further complicated by the revelation that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had allegedly ordered troops to "kill them all" during a verbal briefing on September 2nd. While Trump loyalists have attempted to downplay this revelation, Democrats are calling for an investigation into the incident and its implications under international law.
The US claims that these strikes are part of a legitimate "war on drugs", but critics argue that the administration is essentially acting as if it were at war with Mexico or Central America. This assertion has been disputed by human rights experts and lawmakers, who point out that there is no formal declaration of war.
Moreover, the US government's actions have been compared to those of a rogue state or a gangster organization, rather than an international power like itself. The administration's own Law of War manual explicitly prohibits targeting wounded, sick, or shipwrecked individuals, rendering its actions tantamount to extrajudicial killings.
The Trump administration's pursuit of this policy has been driven by financial interests and business motives. In private meetings with Russian officials and business leaders, the president's advisors have pushed for a deal that would enrich US corporations at the expense of Ukraine and Russia.
By exploiting loopholes in international law, the Trump administration is allowing its own profits to outweigh concerns about accountability and human rights. When Trump met with Russian officials, his investment fund received cash infusions from Gulf monarchies, blurring the line between public and private interests.
As this crisis unfolds, it remains unclear what consequences will befall those responsible for these actions. However, as Jonathan Freedland writes, "the word corruption can be used in two ways... If and when Donald Trump and those who serve him are eventually called to account, they will be confronted by that single word, in all its shades – and all its force."
The situation is further complicated by the revelation that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had allegedly ordered troops to "kill them all" during a verbal briefing on September 2nd. While Trump loyalists have attempted to downplay this revelation, Democrats are calling for an investigation into the incident and its implications under international law.
The US claims that these strikes are part of a legitimate "war on drugs", but critics argue that the administration is essentially acting as if it were at war with Mexico or Central America. This assertion has been disputed by human rights experts and lawmakers, who point out that there is no formal declaration of war.
Moreover, the US government's actions have been compared to those of a rogue state or a gangster organization, rather than an international power like itself. The administration's own Law of War manual explicitly prohibits targeting wounded, sick, or shipwrecked individuals, rendering its actions tantamount to extrajudicial killings.
The Trump administration's pursuit of this policy has been driven by financial interests and business motives. In private meetings with Russian officials and business leaders, the president's advisors have pushed for a deal that would enrich US corporations at the expense of Ukraine and Russia.
By exploiting loopholes in international law, the Trump administration is allowing its own profits to outweigh concerns about accountability and human rights. When Trump met with Russian officials, his investment fund received cash infusions from Gulf monarchies, blurring the line between public and private interests.
As this crisis unfolds, it remains unclear what consequences will befall those responsible for these actions. However, as Jonathan Freedland writes, "the word corruption can be used in two ways... If and when Donald Trump and those who serve him are eventually called to account, they will be confronted by that single word, in all its shades – and all its force."
This is just getting out of hand. I mean, 87 people die in these "drone strikes" and the government is like, "oh, it's a war on drugs"? 
Give me a break! 
It sounds like they're just trying to make a quick buck off Mexico or Central America while claiming it's all about keeping our streets safe. 
And now we've got Trump's crew allegedly telling troops to "kill them all" - that's just cold blooded. 
What's next, military aid to some shady cartel leader? 
This whole thing reeks of corruption and a total disregard for human life. I'm not surprised the Law of War manual says they can't target wounded or shipwrecked people... it's basically common sense! 
It's like they're trying to make a name for themselves as the most ruthless country in the world. Back in my day, we would've been horrified by something like this. The idea that Defence Secretary Hegseth ordered troops to "kill them all" is just disgusting. And don't even get me started on the fact that Trump's advisors are pushing for deals that enrich his own investment fund at the expense of innocent people. It's like they're above the law or something. I mean, what kind of human being does that? 
The whole thing reeks of corruption and a complete disregard for human life. We need to hold our leaders accountable for this stuff.
this is just so unbelievable. the thought of american troops being told to kill anyone on a boat without hesitation is just horrific. it's like they've lost sight of what it means to be human. and now we're seeing the devastating consequences - lives lost, families torn apart. 
what kind of system allows this kind of violence to happen? it's not just about trump or his administration, it's about the whole culture of disregard for life that seems to be seeping into every level of power. 
and let's not forget about the money - it's all about lining the pockets of big corporations and special interests. 
. i mean, can't they see how this is gonna backfire on them? the whole thing feels like a big ol' mess 
. If he's getting rich off these deals, then why are we still paying for the victims? It's just not right 
.
. But the reality is that people are dying because of this nonsense 
. We need to hold our leaders accountable for their actions, not just make excuses for them 
.