Justice Dept. Memo Said Trump Could Send Troops Into Venezuela on His Own
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A secret Justice Department memo concluded that President Trump had constitutional authority to deploy military forces into Venezuela to arrest President Nicolás Maduro without needing congressional approval.
- The 22-page memo, authored by T. Elliot Gaiser of the Office of Legal Counsel, addresses international law, the use of military force in law enforcement, and the necessity of congressional authorization.
- The January incursion resulted in at least 80 deaths, including Venezuelan military personnel, civilians, and Cuban bodyguards, with several Americans injured but none fatally.
- Legal experts argue the operation likely violated international law, as the U.S. used force inside another sovereign nation without consent, self-defense justification, or U.N. Security Council approval.
- The memo discusses
