Trump Used to Fantasize About Killing Suspects. Now He’s Doing It.
The Bulwark · Sep 12, 2026 · 9:00
The Bulwark · Sep 12, 2026 · 9:00
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Mona talks with Adam Isacson and John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America about Operation Southern Spear, the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, and the secret legal theory being used to justify them. They examine the killing of survivors in a second strike, Pete Hegseth’s purge of military lawyers, the evidence that the campaign hasn’t reduced the cocaine supply, and why U.S. allies are increasingly wary of sharing intelligence that could be used in the strikes.
Further reading:
WOLA — Killing Spree: Extrajudicial Executions in the U.S. Boat Strikes Campaign
The Washington Post — Deadly U.S. boat strikes have failed to curb cocaine supply, Pentagon and DEA officials say
Reuters — We bought everything needed to make $3 million worth of fentanyl. All it took was $3,600.
Programming note: This Wednesday join us for the next edition of The Bulwark Book Club to discuss The Odyssey! Mona Charen and Sonny Bunch will discuss Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation and Emily Wilson’s translation of the epic LIVE with Bulwark+ members at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
Drop your questions, comments, and thoughts on The Odyssey in the comments on this post.
Watch your inbox for a link on Wednesday to see the show live. A replay will be available as part of the Mona Charen Show.
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