Justice Dept. Memo Approved Military Incursion Into Venezuela as Lawful
The New York Times••world
Key Points:
- The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo declaring it lawful for President Trump to order the military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to officials familiar with the matter.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi assured Congress that the administration would share the memo with lawmakers, though the details remain confidential.
- The operation resulted in at least 80 deaths, including military personnel and civilians, and raised significant legal concerns regarding international law and presidential authority.
- Legal experts argue the incursion likely violated the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force in another country's territory without consent, self-defense justification, or U.N. Security Council approval.
- The memo was signed by William P. Barr, known for advocating broad
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