The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has indicated that President Donald Trump possessed the legal authority to initiate a military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Although the specifics of the memo outlining this authority remain undisclosed, Attorney General Pam Bondi has assured Congress that it will be shared with lawmakers.

This military operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, including both military personnel and civilians, raising concerns about compliance with international law. Legal experts have pointed out that such actions likely violate the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force within another nation's territory without consent, a self-defense justification, or authorization from the U.N. Security Council.

The situation mirrors historical instances, such as the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, where the Office of Legal Counsel asserted that President George H.W. Bush had the constitutional authority to bypass international law in order to capture foreign criminal suspects. This precedent, supported by legal interpretations from figures like William P. Barr, has faced criticism for its broad interpretation of executive power, which some argue undermines international norms and could lead to increased violence and instability.

Additionally, the broader context of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration has been characterized by a tendency towards unilateral action and a focus on elite interests, as described by political scientist Abe Newman in his concept of 'neo-royalism.' This perspective suggests that the traditional state-centric view of international relations is being replaced by a system where elite groups, rather than nations, dictate policy decisions. Such a shift raises concerns about the erosion of established norms and the potential for greater conflict on the global stage.

As the U.S. continues to exert military power, the implications of these actions highlight the need for both domestic and international responses to uphold a rules-based international system that prioritizes peace and cooperation over coercion and violence.