Rebecca Ingber
@becingber.bsky.social
Law prof at Cardozo Law. Former U.S. State Dept a few times over. Writes on international law, war powers and national security, presidential power and bureaucracy.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1587178
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1587178
Pinned
Whether states remain silent out of cowardice or agreement with the cause or active desire to erode the rule prohibiting the use of force as a tool of policy — the resulting erosion will be the same.
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Day 2 is a wrap! I just swam the Kalohi Channel in the Pacific Ocean in 5 hours 20 mins to support Maui wildfire recovery. Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/maui-nui If I make it through tomorrow I’ll be the 10th woman to complete Maui Nui (!!)
Donate to Multi-channel ocean swim for Maui wildfire recovery, organized by Rebecca Hamilton
I’m attempting the Maui Nui Swim. It is a multi-channel ultra mar… Rebecca Hamilton needs your support for Multi-channel ocean swim for Maui wildfire recovery
www.gofundme.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Day 2 is a wrap! I just swam the Kalohi Channel in the Pacific Ocean in 5 hours 20 mins to support Maui wildfire recovery. Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/maui-nui If I make it through tomorrow I’ll be the 10th woman to complete Maui Nui (!!)
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
1/This is something you say when you know you aren't in compliance with the law.
Add that to ignoring:
-UN Charter prohibition on use of force (which is supreme law of the land)
-Constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law
-Congress' authority to decide when the US goes to war
But also:
Add that to ignoring:
-UN Charter prohibition on use of force (which is supreme law of the land)
-Constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law
-Congress' authority to decide when the US goes to war
But also:
JD Vance: "The War Powers Act is fundamentally a fake and unconstitutional law"
January 8, 2026 at 7:31 PM
1/This is something you say when you know you aren't in compliance with the law.
Add that to ignoring:
-UN Charter prohibition on use of force (which is supreme law of the land)
-Constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law
-Congress' authority to decide when the US goes to war
But also:
Add that to ignoring:
-UN Charter prohibition on use of force (which is supreme law of the land)
-Constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law
-Congress' authority to decide when the US goes to war
But also:
“fake law”
JD Vance: "The War Powers Act is fundamentally a fake and unconstitutional law"
January 8, 2026 at 7:14 PM
“fake law”
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Worth remembering, when you see passages like the one below, that this was not inevitable--the WPR mechanism does not allow for a presidential veto. It is only because of the Supreme Court's Chadha opinion that the president could veto the Venezuela resolution. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
January 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Worth remembering, when you see passages like the one below, that this was not inevitable--the WPR mechanism does not allow for a presidential veto. It is only because of the Supreme Court's Chadha opinion that the president could veto the Venezuela resolution. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
DHS Warns Any Action By Americans Will Be Treated As Domestic Terrorism https://theonion.com/dhs-warns-any-action-by-americans-will-be-treated-as-domestic-terrorism/
January 8, 2026 at 6:57 PM
DHS Warns Any Action By Americans Will Be Treated As Domestic Terrorism https://theonion.com/dhs-warns-any-action-by-americans-will-be-treated-as-domestic-terrorism/
“Needless to say, when the US invades another country, and the armed forces of that country respond by using force, it is the invaded country that is exercising self-defence and not the United States.”
As usual Marko gets straight to the point:
As usual Marko gets straight to the point:
Some Further Thoughts on the Illegal US Attack on Venezuela: Self-Defence, Cyber, and Continuing Coercion
In this post, I want to provide a couple of thoughts on some aspects of the unlawful US attack on Venezuela on 3 January. Before doing so, however, I should simply say that I completely endorse the an...
www.ejiltalk.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:23 PM
“Needless to say, when the US invades another country, and the armed forces of that country respond by using force, it is the invaded country that is exercising self-defence and not the United States.”
As usual Marko gets straight to the point:
As usual Marko gets straight to the point:
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
P•LAW Crane Fellow crossover on the Strict Scrutiny podcast: 2025-26 fellow Kate Shaw and 2024-25 fellow Rebecca Ingber drop an emergency pod answering your questions on the legality of the Venezuela attack.
www.youtube.com/watch?si=-g5...
@kateshaw.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social
#PLAW
www.youtube.com/watch?si=-g5...
@kateshaw.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social
#PLAW
Trump's Illegal Venezuela Invasion
YouTube video by Strict Scrutiny
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:10 PM
P•LAW Crane Fellow crossover on the Strict Scrutiny podcast: 2025-26 fellow Kate Shaw and 2024-25 fellow Rebecca Ingber drop an emergency pod answering your questions on the legality of the Venezuela attack.
www.youtube.com/watch?si=-g5...
@kateshaw.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social
#PLAW
www.youtube.com/watch?si=-g5...
@kateshaw.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social
#PLAW
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
@nycbarassociation.bsky.social condemns the illegal use of force in Venezuela and calls on Congress to fulfill its constitutional duties.
Congress Must Act to Halt the President’s Violations of U.S. And International Law in Venezuela. Read the City Bar's statement here: bit.ly/4jrLChb
Congress Must Act to Halt the President’s Violations of U.S. And International Law in Venezuela | New York City Bar Association
New York City Bar Association Statement The New York City Bar Association condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the blatantly […]
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 3:08 AM
@nycbarassociation.bsky.social condemns the illegal use of force in Venezuela and calls on Congress to fulfill its constitutional duties.
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Reminder for Congress:
The War Powers Resolution's 60 day clock is ticking today, & the WPR report to Congress is due.
Note:
- There's no "we're calling this law enforcement" exception to the WPR
- Bombing another country and forcibly abducting its president in a military raid is "hostilities"
The War Powers Resolution's 60 day clock is ticking today, & the WPR report to Congress is due.
Note:
- There's no "we're calling this law enforcement" exception to the WPR
- Bombing another country and forcibly abducting its president in a military raid is "hostilities"
January 5, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Reminder for Congress:
The War Powers Resolution's 60 day clock is ticking today, & the WPR report to Congress is due.
Note:
- There's no "we're calling this law enforcement" exception to the WPR
- Bombing another country and forcibly abducting its president in a military raid is "hostilities"
The War Powers Resolution's 60 day clock is ticking today, & the WPR report to Congress is due.
Note:
- There's no "we're calling this law enforcement" exception to the WPR
- Bombing another country and forcibly abducting its president in a military raid is "hostilities"
It’s never a good sign for world news when the @strictscrutiny.bsky.social gals ask me to join them but I was honored to return to the pod for an emergency hit on the Venezuela invasion: youtu.be/nrR8gdpS-c0?...
January 5, 2026 at 3:15 PM
It’s never a good sign for world news when the @strictscrutiny.bsky.social gals ask me to join them but I was honored to return to the pod for an emergency hit on the Venezuela invasion: youtu.be/nrR8gdpS-c0?...
Great post by @jacklgoldsmith.bsky.social laying bare how some executive branch precedents might be marshaled in defense of the Venezuelan invasion. I’ll just note a quibble with the piece on unit self defense — which cannot justify the use of force here 🧵
On the Legality of the Venezuela Invasion
Executive branch precedents can be garnered to support the action—which does not, of course, mean that it is lawful.
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Great post by @jacklgoldsmith.bsky.social laying bare how some executive branch precedents might be marshaled in defense of the Venezuelan invasion. I’ll just note a quibble with the piece on unit self defense — which cannot justify the use of force here 🧵
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Yes it is quite the episode! Starting the New Year off with an incredible slate of experts @becingber.bsky.social @kimlanelaw.bsky.social @skyeperryman.bsky.social @democracyforward.org @profmmurray.bsky.social @leahlitman.bsky.social @kateshaw.bsky.social
an elderly woman in a blue jacket is saying `` happy new year '' .
Alt: an elderly woman in a blue jacket is saying `` happy new year '' .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Yes it is quite the episode! Starting the New Year off with an incredible slate of experts @becingber.bsky.social @kimlanelaw.bsky.social @skyeperryman.bsky.social @democracyforward.org @profmmurray.bsky.social @leahlitman.bsky.social @kateshaw.bsky.social
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
The notion that the US military incursion into Venezuela and seizure of its leader wasn't a use of force under int'l law b/c it was a "law enforcement operation" is absurd.
In prior US military-LE capture ops abroad, USG definitely viewed such actions as uses of force under int'l law.
From 2014.
In prior US military-LE capture ops abroad, USG definitely viewed such actions as uses of force under int'l law.
From 2014.
January 4, 2026 at 11:09 PM
The notion that the US military incursion into Venezuela and seizure of its leader wasn't a use of force under int'l law b/c it was a "law enforcement operation" is absurd.
In prior US military-LE capture ops abroad, USG definitely viewed such actions as uses of force under int'l law.
From 2014.
In prior US military-LE capture ops abroad, USG definitely viewed such actions as uses of force under int'l law.
From 2014.
The decider is a they not an it
Among many similarities to Iraq: we’ve heard many different reasons for the military action but there’s no single cohesive U.S. government story about why we’re doing it.
Very important signal here. You can say it's abt oil. And part of it is. But the White House is actually being forced to strongarm the oil companies to get involved. www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
January 3, 2026 at 11:11 PM
The decider is a they not an it
Some crossed wires on the USG position re Maduro as President and leader of Venezuela. (Sec State Rubio might want to ask National Security Advisor Rubio to call a meeting to untangle their view)
January 3, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Some crossed wires on the USG position re Maduro as President and leader of Venezuela. (Sec State Rubio might want to ask National Security Advisor Rubio to call a meeting to untangle their view)
Apropos of nothing, violations of law by states do not compel the end of the rule of law. Law has always been honored in the breach.
On the other hand, widespread failure to condemn violations of law by those with power …
On the other hand, widespread failure to condemn violations of law by those with power …
January 3, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Apropos of nothing, violations of law by states do not compel the end of the rule of law. Law has always been honored in the breach.
On the other hand, widespread failure to condemn violations of law by those with power …
On the other hand, widespread failure to condemn violations of law by those with power …
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
I fear we are going to have to say this a lot again:
Int law prohibits bombing countries for the sake of democracy. FOR VERY GOOD REASON. It tends not to work.
Attacking a country because its leader lacks legitimacy - whether as pretext or sincerely held rationale - is still just an aggression.
Int law prohibits bombing countries for the sake of democracy. FOR VERY GOOD REASON. It tends not to work.
Attacking a country because its leader lacks legitimacy - whether as pretext or sincerely held rationale - is still just an aggression.
Remember that there is a legitimately elected president of Venezuela: Edmundo Gonzalez. He won the election in 2024.
January 3, 2026 at 11:55 AM
I fear we are going to have to say this a lot again:
Int law prohibits bombing countries for the sake of democracy. FOR VERY GOOD REASON. It tends not to work.
Attacking a country because its leader lacks legitimacy - whether as pretext or sincerely held rationale - is still just an aggression.
Int law prohibits bombing countries for the sake of democracy. FOR VERY GOOD REASON. It tends not to work.
Attacking a country because its leader lacks legitimacy - whether as pretext or sincerely held rationale - is still just an aggression.
Sen Mike Lee with the first account I’ve seen of the Admin’s legal theory for the strikes. On the domestic law side — something like: Art II law enforcement power to capture Maduro (by invading his own country) combined with Art II power to protect those personnel executing the warrant.
January 3, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Sen Mike Lee with the first account I’ve seen of the Admin’s legal theory for the strikes. On the domestic law side — something like: Art II law enforcement power to capture Maduro (by invading his own country) combined with Art II power to protect those personnel executing the warrant.
What could go wrong?
December 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM
What could go wrong?
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Complete abdication of responsibility by Senator Wicker:
1) The most basic Qs about the campaign - on legality and strategy - are unanswered.
Start with what acts constitute an “armed attack” or justify the existence of an armed conflict?
Which 24 cartels & gangs are we supposedly at war with?
1) The most basic Qs about the campaign - on legality and strategy - are unanswered.
Start with what acts constitute an “armed attack” or justify the existence of an armed conflict?
Which 24 cartels & gangs are we supposedly at war with?
December 19, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Complete abdication of responsibility by Senator Wicker:
1) The most basic Qs about the campaign - on legality and strategy - are unanswered.
Start with what acts constitute an “armed attack” or justify the existence of an armed conflict?
Which 24 cartels & gangs are we supposedly at war with?
1) The most basic Qs about the campaign - on legality and strategy - are unanswered.
Start with what acts constitute an “armed attack” or justify the existence of an armed conflict?
Which 24 cartels & gangs are we supposedly at war with?
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
Trump Relies on Distortions to Support His Pressure Campaign on Venezuela www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
Trump Relies on Distortions to Support His Pressure Campaign on Venezuela
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Trump Relies on Distortions to Support His Pressure Campaign on Venezuela www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
This this this. And if you, the public, cease to care, why should the President?
NB: When I, a professor of law, profess that an act is unlawful, I am not doing it to inform the lawbreaker, but rather to inform you, the reader.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.
December 18, 2025 at 9:08 PM
This this this. And if you, the public, cease to care, why should the President?
Reposted by Rebecca Ingber
NB: When I, a professor of law, profess that an act is unlawful, I am not doing it to inform the lawbreaker, but rather to inform you, the reader.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.
December 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
NB: When I, a professor of law, profess that an act is unlawful, I am not doing it to inform the lawbreaker, but rather to inform you, the reader.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.
So the question “what, like you think he cares?” is inapposite. The question is whether *you* care. I think you should, which is why I bother.