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By Eugene R. Fidell , Steven J. Lepper and William D. Baumgartner Originally published by JustSecurity here Now in its second year, the Trump administration continues to set new records for legal controversy, much of which surrounds the president. Controversy has also swirled around Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, and Kristi Noem, who was recently fired as Secretary of Homeland Security. The three have something in common: they are all among those official positions

By Daniel Maurer , Steven J. Lepper , Eugene R. Fidell , Alberto J. Mora and Franklin D. Rosenblatt Originally published here This “operational legal review” is the third in a series of essays examining the legal basis for current or potential future U.S. military operations. This is not an official legal review ; however, the format and analysis are representative of the legal advice that judge advocates (uniformed lawyers) provide commanders when advising on the lawfulness

16 January 2026 FOURTH MEMORANDUM TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND STAFF FROM: The Former Judge Advocates Working Group SUBJECT: Invading Greenland Just as we did when we served in uniform, our group of former and retired judge advocates works alongside many distinguished civilian lawyers whose own honorable government service contributed greatly to our national security. Today, we are proud and pleased to oRer the thoughts of one of our advisor-members, The Honorable Alberto J. Mo

Congress must clarify 'unlawful orders' to safeguard military integrity amidst rising tensions and unclear directives.

Hegseth's attempt to demote Kelly undermines military retirement protections and threatens free speech for veterans.

Summary: This statement raises serious legal concerns regarding a reported December 2025 U.S. covert strike on Venezuelan territory. It questions whether drug trafficking can lawfully be treated as an “armed attack” justifying the use of force under international law and whether the strike unlawfully violated Venezuela’s sovereignty. It further examines whether the operation triggered an international armed conflict, thereby exposing U.S. forces to lawful retaliation and heig

By Steven Lepper Origally published here This memorandum is the second in a series of essays examining the legal basis for current or potential U.S. military operations or other uses of the military. This is not an official legal memorandum; however, the format and analysis are representative of the legal advice that would be rendered in the situation described. The content of this review is not based on any actual legal review or on any classified information; all facts are

A former military lawyer labels U.S. boat strikes as murder, igniting debates on military ethics and accountability.

Former JAG officer critiques Hegseth's absence during critical military decisions, raising serious accountability concerns.

Experts warn Trump’s admiral may face legal fallout alone over a controversial military strike that raises ethical concerns.

The article explores critical questions Congress must consider regarding the U.S. military's boat strikes targeting drug traffickers.

Margaret Donovan discusses Hegseth's controversial order, raising concerns over potential war crimes and military accountability.

Dan Maurer critiques the Trump admin for ordering a lethal strike on shipwrecked survivors, calling it murder and illegal.

Retired Gen. Steven Lepper discusses military responses to drug trafficking via boats, highlighting security implications.

Inside military command centers, leadership makes critical, real-time decisions during strikes, influencing global security.

After a controversial September 2 strike on a Venezuelan boat, legal experts question military actions and accountability.

Legal debates surrounding the boat strikes highlight critical implications for military lawyers' responsibilities and ethics.

Pentagon's order to kill survivors in a drug-trafficking operation raises questions of legality and moral accountability.

Summary: This statement reviews media reports that U.S. forces conducted strikes on a narcotrafficking vessel and then conducted a second strike on surviving individuals in the water. It explains that, if accurate, such actions would violate both international humanitarian law and U.S. criminal law by targeting persons rendered unable to fight ("hors de combat"). It summarizes applicable Geneva Conventions rules, the Hague prohibition on “no quarter” orders, and relevant U.S.

Trump's threats to court-martial Senator Kelly over troop disobedience claims face major legal challenges ahead.