Trump's Illegal Executions

[babylonsister]

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/robert-reich/115251/trump-s-illegal-executions

Trump’s Illegal Executions
by Robert Reich | October 25, 2025 - 5:17am

— from Robert Reich's Substack

Friends,

The United States is now executing people on the high seas whom Trump calls “enemy combatants.” He’s doing so without a declaration of war, without input from Congress, and without any findings that they pose a threat to the United States.

snip//

So far, the death toll is 43.

Neither Trump nor Hegseth has offered any evidence to support their claims that the vessels have been smuggling drugs to the United States or were “operated by” Tren de Aragua, a group that Trump has designated as a terrorist organization.

It is illegal, under domestic and international law, to deliberately target civilians who are not directly participating in hostilities — even if they are suspected criminals.

snip//

It’s also dangerous. What if Trump “determines” that anyone he dislikes — immigrants, Democrats, student protesters — is an “enemy combatant?”

He has already referred to the “enemy within” the United States — in characterizing domestic political opponents, including government officials, critics, activists, and protesters.

snip//

Put it all together. Let me ask you, honestly: How close are we to Trump ordering the execution of Americans he considers his political opponents?

[Martin Eden]

1. How close?

Pretty damn close.

During his first term he wanted the military to shoot protesters in the legs, but there were guardrails. Now those guardrails are gone, and Trump's mental pathologies are worse.

Do you know how quickly you can bleed out from a severed femoral artery in your leg?

Pretty damn quick.

Once those bullets start piercing people in a crowd, more than just legs will be hit. Anyone who gives a second thought will realize that people will die. Trump doesn't give a damn.

Actually, he wants us dead. Was he joking in front of our nation's assembled military leadership -- the most serious professionals you'll ever meet -- when he said he wanted to use American cities as training grounds?

The same military Hegseth, at that same assembly, stated will not be bound by the old rules of engagement: unleashed to do what they do best -- kill people and break things.

What Trump NEEDS is our protests to become violent so he can unleash the military, declare martial law, and sieze control of our elections.

THAT is something we MUST NOT give him.

[Solly Mack]

2. So close I can already feel it.

[leftstreet]

3. DURec

[peggysue2]

4. Whatever sounded preposterous and impossible in the past is . . .

Absolutely possible now. Every outrage and lawless act sets the stage to up-the-ante in the future. Trump and his lackeys are out of control but their capacity for further abuse and inexcusable violence should be considered boundless.

Until they're stopped.