Over the past several months, the Trump administration has undertaken a congressionally unauthorized military campaign against supposed “narco-terrorists” in international waters. One of the administration’s attacks in particular has roiled Washington — according to recent reporting, military officials ordered a follow-up strike that killed survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat. Since the revelation, Trump officials have scrambled to explain the legal justification and who was ultimately responsible.

Listen as Brennan Center expert Katherine Yon Ebright and Michael Waldman break down why these strikes are unlawful and discuss how Congress should respond.

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Recorded on December 5, 2025.

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