John Yoo, a controversial legal scholar known for his role in shaping post-9/11 U.S. counterterrorism policy, has made significant comments regarding the Trump administration’s military actions against Venezuela and its drug cartels. Yoo stated, “They’re not attacking us because of our foreign policy and our political system. They’re just selling us something that people in America want. We’re just trying to stop them from selling it.” He framed this situation as a crime, emphasizing that it is something society may never fully eradicate.
Yoo’s remarks carry weight, especially considering his past as one of the “Bush Six,” individuals investigated internationally for war crimes due to their support of controversial tactics, including torture. His involvement in creating what is known as the Torture Memo — described as an effort to circumvent legal barriers around torture — makes his criticism of current military strategies even more striking.
In discussing the legality of Trump’s strikes, Yoo questioned the administration’s justification. He explained that the only way these actions could be legally justified is if the U.S. is at war with Venezuela, positioning the drug cartels as closely aligned with Venezuelan military or intelligence operations, akin to the Taliban’s relationships in Afghanistan post-2001. He pointed out that the lack of a clear legal framework or justification from the current administration raises concerns about the nature and legality of their military actions.
Yoo’s remarks serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy, legality, and the ethical implications of military intervention, leaving open questions about future actions and justifications.