Former House Republican Criticizes 'Illogical' Legal Argument Backing Trump Boat Strikes

Former Republican Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) sharply criticized his ex-colleagues on Friday, asserting that claims suggesting President Donald Trump has unrestricted legal authority to target terrorists are unfounded.

Its almost unbelievable how far some go to argue that the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) permits the boat-strike operations, Amash posted on social media during a discussion on the issue.

The 2001 AUMF, enacted after the September 11 attacks, provided Congress legal backing for the War on Terror and related military operations aimed at preventing Islamic terrorism in the United States.

Amash emphasized, The law was intended specifically for those responsible for 9/11. It does not cover Venezuelan drug traffickers, even if some tenuous connection is claimed. Following this reasoning, one could justify strikes against anyone loosely linked to 9/11. Executive branch designations of terrorist status do not expand the laws scope. Past presidential overreach was also unlawful, and that does not make it legal.

He further illustrated his point by sharing relevant excerpts from the 2001 AUMF, reinforcing that it applies solely to the 9/11 perpetrators.

Earlier, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, debated the issue on CNN. Anchor John Berman questioned Cotton about the administrations argument that the targeted groups are non-state actors and whether they qualify as terrorists under U.S. law.

Cotton responded, I dont believe all Latin American cartels meet the definition of foreign terrorists. Nevertheless, their actions have caused more American deaths than Al-Qaeda or ISIS in some cases. This threat is serious and deserves attention in our own hemisphere, just as we focus on international terrorist groups.

Berman pressed on timing for a formal authorization of military force. Cotton countered, The president already has the legal authority as commander-in-chief. If members of Congress disagree, they can propose amendments during defense spending debates. Until a majority votes otherwise, the president is empowered to act against these traffickers to protect the country.

Author: Ethan Caldwell