Tess Bridgeman
@tessbridgeman.bsky.social
Co-Editor-in-Chief, Just Security (@justsecurity.bsky.social) | NYU Law RCLS Sr. Fellow | Berkeley Law | Stanford CISAC | Former NSC Deputy Legal Adviser, White House Associate Counsel & Special Assistant to the President | Former State Department
From Hegseth firing TJAGs he said would be "roadblocks" to removing or firing key national security lawyers who followed their oaths, this is how a government *knowingly* tries to get away with violating the law.
And no, OLC penning absurd legal arguments doesn't fix this.
Read this 🧵:
And no, OLC penning absurd legal arguments doesn't fix this.
Read this 🧵:
On the patently unlawful boat strikes
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
White House blew past legal concerns in deadly strikes on drug boats
The Trump administration sidestepped skeptical lawyers across national security agencies as it pursued a military campaign against alleged narcotraffickers, officials say.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:55 PM
From Hegseth firing TJAGs he said would be "roadblocks" to removing or firing key national security lawyers who followed their oaths, this is how a government *knowingly* tries to get away with violating the law.
And no, OLC penning absurd legal arguments doesn't fix this.
Read this 🧵:
And no, OLC penning absurd legal arguments doesn't fix this.
Read this 🧵:
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
Senator Kelly’s remarks in the video are “a 100% accurate representation of what the law says."
“No American citizen should have to deal with this type of preposterous investigation.”
- Professor Eugene Fidell, leading military justice expert in Wall Street Journal
www.wsj.com/politics/mar...
“No American citizen should have to deal with this type of preposterous investigation.”
- Professor Eugene Fidell, leading military justice expert in Wall Street Journal
www.wsj.com/politics/mar...
Pentagon Investigates Misconduct Allegations Against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly
The review comes after Kelly, a retired Navy captain, appeared in a video with other lawmakers telling military members not to obey unlawful orders.
www.wsj.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Senator Kelly’s remarks in the video are “a 100% accurate representation of what the law says."
“No American citizen should have to deal with this type of preposterous investigation.”
- Professor Eugene Fidell, leading military justice expert in Wall Street Journal
www.wsj.com/politics/mar...
“No American citizen should have to deal with this type of preposterous investigation.”
- Professor Eugene Fidell, leading military justice expert in Wall Street Journal
www.wsj.com/politics/mar...
A great resource on the lethal vessels strikes campaign against suspected drug traffickers 👇
Now including:
- international reactions (eg, allies cutting off intelligence sharing)
- objections raised by commanders and JAGs
Read our collection of analysis here:
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
Now including:
- international reactions (eg, allies cutting off intelligence sharing)
- objections raised by commanders and JAGs
Read our collection of analysis here:
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
November 21, 2025 at 6:43 PM
A great resource on the lethal vessels strikes campaign against suspected drug traffickers 👇
Now including:
- international reactions (eg, allies cutting off intelligence sharing)
- objections raised by commanders and JAGs
Read our collection of analysis here:
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
Now including:
- international reactions (eg, allies cutting off intelligence sharing)
- objections raised by commanders and JAGs
Read our collection of analysis here:
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
“The senior military lawyer for the combatant command overseeing lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela disagreed with the Trump administration’s position that the operations are lawful — and his views were sidelined” per 6 sources
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
Top military lawyer raised legal concerns about boat strikes
The lawyer at U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the operations against alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela, disagreed that the strikes are legal and was overruled, according to six sources...
www.nbcnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:58 AM
“The senior military lawyer for the combatant command overseeing lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela disagreed with the Trump administration’s position that the operations are lawful — and his views were sidelined” per 6 sources
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
Sen. Paul gets it right:
Arguments for strikes on suspected drug boats are "non-sensical."
"Drug traffickers aren't equivalent to al-Qaeda. And the executive branch does not have the authority to kill, at will, anyone, anywhere... for any reason."
Regime change in Vz is "strategic malpractice."
Arguments for strikes on suspected drug boats are "non-sensical."
"Drug traffickers aren't equivalent to al-Qaeda. And the executive branch does not have the authority to kill, at will, anyone, anywhere... for any reason."
Regime change in Vz is "strategic malpractice."
November 6, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Sen. Paul gets it right:
Arguments for strikes on suspected drug boats are "non-sensical."
"Drug traffickers aren't equivalent to al-Qaeda. And the executive branch does not have the authority to kill, at will, anyone, anywhere... for any reason."
Regime change in Vz is "strategic malpractice."
Arguments for strikes on suspected drug boats are "non-sensical."
"Drug traffickers aren't equivalent to al-Qaeda. And the executive branch does not have the authority to kill, at will, anyone, anywhere... for any reason."
Regime change in Vz is "strategic malpractice."
Ahead of the 5pm ET War Powers vote in the Senate to prohibit Trump from starting a war against #Venezuela, a few reminders:
- Our Constitution puts the decision to go to war in Congress' hands precisely to avoid one man making reckless (& illegal) decisions with our military
- Our Constitution puts the decision to go to war in Congress' hands precisely to avoid one man making reckless (& illegal) decisions with our military
November 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Ahead of the 5pm ET War Powers vote in the Senate to prohibit Trump from starting a war against #Venezuela, a few reminders:
- Our Constitution puts the decision to go to war in Congress' hands precisely to avoid one man making reckless (& illegal) decisions with our military
- Our Constitution puts the decision to go to war in Congress' hands precisely to avoid one man making reckless (& illegal) decisions with our military
Sen. Lindsey Graham on Senate floor (paraphrase): "drug boats are being interdicted by the military because Trump thinks they are a national security threat to our country" (because of cocaine)
This is wrong.
He's not using the military to *interdict* (which would be more effective) but to kill.
This is wrong.
He's not using the military to *interdict* (which would be more effective) but to kill.
November 6, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Sen. Lindsey Graham on Senate floor (paraphrase): "drug boats are being interdicted by the military because Trump thinks they are a national security threat to our country" (because of cocaine)
This is wrong.
He's not using the military to *interdict* (which would be more effective) but to kill.
This is wrong.
He's not using the military to *interdict* (which would be more effective) but to kill.
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
🧵 Trump admin is "doing a Libya"—claiming that US maritime strikes don't constitute "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution and thus that law's 60-day limit on hostilities doesn't apply.
Shared thoughts with @washingtonpost.com, but here are more: 1/n
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Shared thoughts with @washingtonpost.com, but here are more: 1/n
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Trump administration tells Congress war law doesn’t apply to cartel strikes
A top Trump administration lawyer told Congress that the War Powers Resolution, which would require the end of hostilities within 60 days, doesn’t apply to cartel strikes.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:41 PM
🧵 Trump admin is "doing a Libya"—claiming that US maritime strikes don't constitute "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution and thus that law's 60-day limit on hostilities doesn't apply.
Shared thoughts with @washingtonpost.com, but here are more: 1/n
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Shared thoughts with @washingtonpost.com, but here are more: 1/n
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
👇 Unless Congress affirmatively voted to authorize Trump admin strikes against suspected drug cartel affiliates (which are already illegal under domestic and international law), another law kicks in on Monday that requires the President to withdraw the U.S. military:
No way around this: On Monday, November 3, the Trump administration's lethal military operations against suspected drug cartels will be prohibited by Congress.
Recommended reading:
This new Expert Backgrounder which discusses the history and scope of the War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock.
Recommended reading:
This new Expert Backgrounder which discusses the history and scope of the War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock.
Expert Backgrounder on War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock for Boat Strikes Expiring Monday
Expert backgrounder on how War Powers Resolution works in application to U.S. military operations against suspected drug cartels.
www.justsecurity.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:41 PM
👇 Unless Congress affirmatively voted to authorize Trump admin strikes against suspected drug cartel affiliates (which are already illegal under domestic and international law), another law kicks in on Monday that requires the President to withdraw the U.S. military:
With news that the #Trump admin may be about to escalate into an illegal war of choice w/ #Venezuela, another rule of law moment comes on Nov. 3:
@rcls-nyu.bsky.social explains the War Powers Resolution's termination clock that requires removal of congressionally unauthorized forces after 60 days 👇
@rcls-nyu.bsky.social explains the War Powers Resolution's termination clock that requires removal of congressionally unauthorized forces after 60 days 👇
⏰The War Powers clock is ticking⏰
Nov 3 🟰 60 days since reported 1st Caribbean boat strike
Under War Powers Resolution, w/in 60 days if Congress does not OK strikes, POTUS “shall terminate any use of US Armed Forces”
Our catalog on every War Powers Reports since 1973:
warpowers.lawandsecurity.org
Nov 3 🟰 60 days since reported 1st Caribbean boat strike
Under War Powers Resolution, w/in 60 days if Congress does not OK strikes, POTUS “shall terminate any use of US Armed Forces”
Our catalog on every War Powers Reports since 1973:
warpowers.lawandsecurity.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
With news that the #Trump admin may be about to escalate into an illegal war of choice w/ #Venezuela, another rule of law moment comes on Nov. 3:
@rcls-nyu.bsky.social explains the War Powers Resolution's termination clock that requires removal of congressionally unauthorized forces after 60 days 👇
@rcls-nyu.bsky.social explains the War Powers Resolution's termination clock that requires removal of congressionally unauthorized forces after 60 days 👇
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
This is murder. I recommend this excellent discussion with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social www.justsecurity.org/122950/podca...
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part III
Tess Bridgeman is joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to assess how the campaign has evolved and what to expect moving forward.
www.justsecurity.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:37 PM
This is murder. I recommend this excellent discussion with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social www.justsecurity.org/122950/podca...
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
This is chilling. The President is asserting authority to kill completely outside of the law. And plans to keep at it.
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
Trump: "I don't think we're necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war, I think we're just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. We're going to kill them. They're going to be, like dead."
October 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
This is chilling. The President is asserting authority to kill completely outside of the law. And plans to keep at it.
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
Interested in the ways that the Caribbean (and Pacific) drug strikes are unlawful?
@justsecurity.org has 15 Articles (!) from experts @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social @martylederman.bsky.social @seharrison7.bsky.social @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
@justsecurity.org has 15 Articles (!) from experts @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social @martylederman.bsky.social @seharrison7.bsky.social @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
www.justsecurity.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Interested in the ways that the Caribbean (and Pacific) drug strikes are unlawful?
@justsecurity.org has 15 Articles (!) from experts @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social @martylederman.bsky.social @seharrison7.bsky.social @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
@justsecurity.org has 15 Articles (!) from experts @becingber.bsky.social @bcfinucane.bsky.social @martylederman.bsky.social @seharrison7.bsky.social @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
This is chilling. The President is asserting authority to kill completely outside of the law. And plans to keep at it.
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
Trump: "I don't think we're necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war, I think we're just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. We're going to kill them. They're going to be, like dead."
October 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
This is chilling. The President is asserting authority to kill completely outside of the law. And plans to keep at it.
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
We are not at war, and he is ignoring the criminal laws that actually apply (eg, murder).
No limiting principle stops him from doing this to others he labels "terrorists."
1/3
Spoke with @janecoaston.bsky.social @crooked.com about #Trump's illegal strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, potential implications within the US, whether it's a prelude to war in #Venezuela, and what Congress can do about it.
Watch our discussion here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQQr...
Watch our discussion here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQQr...
The Terrifying Reason Trump Is Blowing Up Boats in International Waters
YouTube video by What A Day
www.youtube.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Spoke with @janecoaston.bsky.social @crooked.com about #Trump's illegal strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, potential implications within the US, whether it's a prelude to war in #Venezuela, and what Congress can do about it.
Watch our discussion here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQQr...
Watch our discussion here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQQr...
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
I wish we didn’t have to keep meeting like this. @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @bcfinucane.bsky.social and I unpack the weekend news involving the brief detention and repatriation of two survivors from the Administration’s recent boat strike for the @justsecurity.org podcast.
With U.S. strikes in the Caribbean continuing, experts unpack:
-detention of two survivors (and why they were repatriated)
-the ticking war powers termination clock
-how Congress can, and should, engage
-the erosion of norms on killings outside of armed conflict
www.buzzsprout.com/2074610/epis...
-detention of two survivors (and why they were repatriated)
-the ticking war powers termination clock
-how Congress can, and should, engage
-the erosion of norms on killings outside of armed conflict
www.buzzsprout.com/2074610/epis...
Murder on the High Seas Part III - The Just Security Podcast
Since early September, President Trump has ordered a series of U.S. military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea, leaving more than 30 people dead. The campaign has targeted boats the administrati...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:12 PM
I wish we didn’t have to keep meeting like this. @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @bcfinucane.bsky.social and I unpack the weekend news involving the brief detention and repatriation of two survivors from the Administration’s recent boat strike for the @justsecurity.org podcast.
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
Pleased to again join my brilliant friends, @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @becingber.bsky.social on the @justsecurity.org podcast to discuss the latest developments with US strikes in the Caribbean, the prospects for US military action against Venezuela, and incoherent US policy towards Colombia.
With U.S. strikes in the Caribbean continuing, experts unpack:
-detention of two survivors (and why they were repatriated)
-the ticking war powers termination clock
-how Congress can, and should, engage
-the erosion of norms on killings outside of armed conflict
www.buzzsprout.com/2074610/epis...
-detention of two survivors (and why they were repatriated)
-the ticking war powers termination clock
-how Congress can, and should, engage
-the erosion of norms on killings outside of armed conflict
www.buzzsprout.com/2074610/epis...
Murder on the High Seas Part III - The Just Security Podcast
Since early September, President Trump has ordered a series of U.S. military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea, leaving more than 30 people dead. The campaign has targeted boats the administrati...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Pleased to again join my brilliant friends, @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @becingber.bsky.social on the @justsecurity.org podcast to discuss the latest developments with US strikes in the Caribbean, the prospects for US military action against Venezuela, and incoherent US policy towards Colombia.
If you haven't read @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and co-authors' full study on the "presumption of regularity" in Trump administration litigation @justsecurity.org, just featured on @60minutes.bsky.social, you can find it here:
www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
October 20, 2025 at 4:26 AM
If you haven't read @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and co-authors' full study on the "presumption of regularity" in Trump administration litigation @justsecurity.org, just featured on @60minutes.bsky.social, you can find it here:
www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
I'm grateful to @60minutes.bsky.social featuring our study published @justsecurity.org.
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
October 20, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I'm grateful to @60minutes.bsky.social featuring our study published @justsecurity.org.
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
In brief, this is simple:
The military has no authority to detain the survivors of its latest strike for the same reasons it had no authority to target them in the first place:
No armed attack = No viable self defense claim = No targeting or detention authority
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
The military has no authority to detain the survivors of its latest strike for the same reasons it had no authority to target them in the first place:
No armed attack = No viable self defense claim = No targeting or detention authority
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
U.S. Detains 2 Survivors of Latest Military Strike in Caribbean
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
In brief, this is simple:
The military has no authority to detain the survivors of its latest strike for the same reasons it had no authority to target them in the first place:
No armed attack = No viable self defense claim = No targeting or detention authority
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
The military has no authority to detain the survivors of its latest strike for the same reasons it had no authority to target them in the first place:
No armed attack = No viable self defense claim = No targeting or detention authority
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Unfortunately more relevant now than ever, take a listen to @bcfinucane.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @rachelgoldbrenner.bsky.social and me on what's going on with the administration's attacks on (unidentified) suspected drug traffickers coming from #Venezuela:
[1/5]
With news of another U.S. strike on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, check out our recent podcast episode, Murder on the High Seas, Part II
with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @bcfinucane.bsky.social, @becingber.bsky.social & Rachel Golbrenner
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPGo...
With news of another U.S. strike on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, check out our recent podcast episode, Murder on the High Seas, Part II
with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @bcfinucane.bsky.social, @becingber.bsky.social & Rachel Golbrenner
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPGo...
Murder on the High Seas Part II: What We Know about U.S. Vessel Strikes One Month In
YouTube video by Just Security
www.youtube.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Unfortunately more relevant now than ever, take a listen to @bcfinucane.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @rachelgoldbrenner.bsky.social and me on what's going on with the administration's attacks on (unidentified) suspected drug traffickers coming from #Venezuela:
Reposted by Tess Bridgeman
Expert on use of force and law of armed conflict, Prof. Mike Schmitt:
“The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.”
Full analysis:
www.justsecurity.org/122756/drug-...
“The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.”
Full analysis:
www.justsecurity.org/122756/drug-...
Attacking Drug Cartels in the Territory of Another State
U.S. lethal operations against suspected cartel-affiliated individuals to date stretch applicable international law beyond recognition.
www.justsecurity.org
October 17, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Expert on use of force and law of armed conflict, Prof. Mike Schmitt:
“The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.”
Full analysis:
www.justsecurity.org/122756/drug-...
“The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.”
Full analysis:
www.justsecurity.org/122756/drug-...
The President is announcing more extrajudicial killings today.
A reminder that the administration has provided no limiting principles and these killings are completely untethered from the law (there was no "armed attack," there's no "armed conflict," and these aren't "unlawful combatants").
A reminder that the administration has provided no limiting principles and these killings are completely untethered from the law (there was no "armed attack," there's no "armed conflict," and these aren't "unlawful combatants").
October 14, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The President is announcing more extrajudicial killings today.
A reminder that the administration has provided no limiting principles and these killings are completely untethered from the law (there was no "armed attack," there's no "armed conflict," and these aren't "unlawful combatants").
A reminder that the administration has provided no limiting principles and these killings are completely untethered from the law (there was no "armed attack," there's no "armed conflict," and these aren't "unlawful combatants").
Mike Mattler is truly the expert I'd want to hear from most on Trump's EO that appears to extend US security guarantees to #Qatar - former lead Executive branch treaty lawyer, former counsel at SFRC.
Read his analysis of the key Qs and how to think about them:
www.justsecurity.org/122118/trump...
Read his analysis of the key Qs and how to think about them:
www.justsecurity.org/122118/trump...
Some Questions About Trump’s Order Pledging to Defend Qatar’s Security
Trump's EO on Qatar raises a number of important legal and policy questions that merit careful consideration by Congress and the public.
www.justsecurity.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Mike Mattler is truly the expert I'd want to hear from most on Trump's EO that appears to extend US security guarantees to #Qatar - former lead Executive branch treaty lawyer, former counsel at SFRC.
Read his analysis of the key Qs and how to think about them:
www.justsecurity.org/122118/trump...
Read his analysis of the key Qs and how to think about them:
www.justsecurity.org/122118/trump...