Heather Brandon-Smith
@hbrandon-smith.bsky.social
Foreign Policy Director @fcnl.bsky.social | Adjunct at Georgetown Law.
War powers, AUMF, law of war, use of force, international law
War powers, AUMF, law of war, use of force, international law
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
🚨The Senate is expected to vote again tomorrow on passage of War Powers Resolution to block further unauthorized strikes on Venezuela.
With Senators facing intense pressure from the Trump admin, it’s crucial they hear loud and clear from their constituents! ⬇️
With Senators facing intense pressure from the Trump admin, it’s crucial they hear loud and clear from their constituents! ⬇️
January 13, 2026 at 10:05 PM
🚨The Senate is expected to vote again tomorrow on passage of War Powers Resolution to block further unauthorized strikes on Venezuela.
With Senators facing intense pressure from the Trump admin, it’s crucial they hear loud and clear from their constituents! ⬇️
With Senators facing intense pressure from the Trump admin, it’s crucial they hear loud and clear from their constituents! ⬇️
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
The Trump administration's campaign of murderous strikes in Latin America carries grave implications -- both for people in the region, and here at home.
FCNL's @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social breaks down what to know. ⬇️
FCNL's @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social breaks down what to know. ⬇️
"History will condemn this administration’s actions. In the meantime, this extraordinarily illegal conduct by the U.S. president has extraordinary consequences—both abroad and at home." sojo.net/magazine/jan...
Trump’s Murderous Caribbean Campaign Is Worse Than ‘War’
The U.S. military’s deadly and illegal strikes on civilian boats have extraordinary consequences.
sojo.net
January 13, 2026 at 8:13 PM
The Trump administration's campaign of murderous strikes in Latin America carries grave implications -- both for people in the region, and here at home.
FCNL's @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social breaks down what to know. ⬇️
FCNL's @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social breaks down what to know. ⬇️
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Grieving every life lost in Iran and urging an end to all violence and repression. Congress should act to prevent more senseless wars by the White House and support a path for diplomacy and democracy.
January 12, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Grieving every life lost in Iran and urging an end to all violence and repression. Congress should act to prevent more senseless wars by the White House and support a path for diplomacy and democracy.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
As the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention center enters its 25th year, its legacy of torture and human rights violation endures.
We joined 100+ partners to once again demand its permanent closure, and an end to the Trump administration's shameful detention of migrants there. ⬇️ #CloseGuantanamo
We joined 100+ partners to once again demand its permanent closure, and an end to the Trump administration's shameful detention of migrants there. ⬇️ #CloseGuantanamo
Coalition Letter Calling for Closure of Prison at Guantánamo Bay | Friends Committee On National Legislation
FCNL steadfastly calls for the closure of the American military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, which enters its 25th year in operation this week. On January 9, we joined with over 100 civil society o...
www.fcnl.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:08 PM
As the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention center enters its 25th year, its legacy of torture and human rights violation endures.
We joined 100+ partners to once again demand its permanent closure, and an end to the Trump administration's shameful detention of migrants there. ⬇️ #CloseGuantanamo
We joined 100+ partners to once again demand its permanent closure, and an end to the Trump administration's shameful detention of migrants there. ⬇️ #CloseGuantanamo
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
My friend @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and I unpacked some of the issues relating to the War Powers Resolution, ongoing US hostilities in Latin America, and how Congress can respond to unauthorized military action by the executive branch.
War powers experts @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @bcfinucane.bsky.social explain the two sets of hostilities governed by the War Powers Resolution in Latin America, why the WPR is constitutional, and what Congress can do:
www.justsecurity.org/128517/war-p...
www.justsecurity.org/128517/war-p...
War Powers, Venezuela, Drug Boats, and Congress
Trump's unauthorized military interventions should spur Congress to reassert its constitutional prerogatives over the use of force.
www.justsecurity.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:13 PM
My friend @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and I unpacked some of the issues relating to the War Powers Resolution, ongoing US hostilities in Latin America, and how Congress can respond to unauthorized military action by the executive branch.
"Although it is sometimes asserted (including recently by Vice President J.D. Vance) that every presidential administration has claimed the War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional, that claim is inaccurate." 👇
It's a big week for the War Powers Resolution.
Read my latest with @bcfinucane.bsky.social on:
-2 sets of ongoing hostilities (drug boats & #Venezuela)
-the WPR's constitutionality
-how Congress can respond to unauthorized military action by the President
www.justsecurity.org/128517/war-p...
Read my latest with @bcfinucane.bsky.social on:
-2 sets of ongoing hostilities (drug boats & #Venezuela)
-the WPR's constitutionality
-how Congress can respond to unauthorized military action by the President
www.justsecurity.org/128517/war-p...
War Powers, Venezuela, Drug Boats, and Congress
Trump's unauthorized military interventions should spur Congress to reassert its constitutional prerogatives over the use of force.
www.justsecurity.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:05 PM
"Although it is sometimes asserted (including recently by Vice President J.D. Vance) that every presidential administration has claimed the War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional, that claim is inaccurate." 👇
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
🚨Big News! The Senate has voted to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at blocking President Trump from launching further military action against Venezuela.
This is a major testament to the power of grassroots advocacy🙌. Let's keep up the pressure!
#WarIsNotTheAnswer!
This is a major testament to the power of grassroots advocacy🙌. Let's keep up the pressure!
#WarIsNotTheAnswer!
Senate votes to curb military action in Venezuela in rare Trump rebuke
An overwhelming majority of congressional Republicans are backing the president's raid in Venezuela.
www.axios.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:05 PM
🚨Big News! The Senate has voted to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at blocking President Trump from launching further military action against Venezuela.
This is a major testament to the power of grassroots advocacy🙌. Let's keep up the pressure!
#WarIsNotTheAnswer!
This is a major testament to the power of grassroots advocacy🙌. Let's keep up the pressure!
#WarIsNotTheAnswer!
Great to speak with @theintercept.com about the lack of public support for the U.S. invasion of Venezuela, and to be quoted alongside @bcfinucane.bsky.social.
“We have been saying all along that Americans don’t want war in Venezuela,” said FCNL’s @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social.
The administration should “listen to the American people and bring an end to this operation.”
The administration should “listen to the American people and bring an end to this operation.”
Americans usually rally ’round the flag for a new war, but polls show Trump’s attack on Venezuela is deeply unpopular.
January 7, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Great to speak with @theintercept.com about the lack of public support for the U.S. invasion of Venezuela, and to be quoted alongside @bcfinucane.bsky.social.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Honored to have my war powers scholarship referenced by @charliesavage.bsky.social in @nytimes.com.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
Justice Dept. Memo Approved Military Incursion Into Venezuela as Lawful
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Honored to have my war powers scholarship referenced by @charliesavage.bsky.social in @nytimes.com.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Pleased to speak with @theintercept.com and be quoted alongside @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social.
"The U.S. did go to war with Venezuela. Just because you drag along a couple DEA agents doesn’t transform this...into a law enforcement operation.”
theintercept.com/2026/01/05/c...
"The U.S. did go to war with Venezuela. Just because you drag along a couple DEA agents doesn’t transform this...into a law enforcement operation.”
theintercept.com/2026/01/05/c...
How Congress Blew All Their Chances to Stop Trump’s War With Venezuela
Republicans who stood in the way of four chances to pass a War Powers resolution on Venezuela now say Marco Rubio lied to them.
theintercept.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Pleased to speak with @theintercept.com and be quoted alongside @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social.
"The U.S. did go to war with Venezuela. Just because you drag along a couple DEA agents doesn’t transform this...into a law enforcement operation.”
theintercept.com/2026/01/05/c...
"The U.S. did go to war with Venezuela. Just because you drag along a couple DEA agents doesn’t transform this...into a law enforcement operation.”
theintercept.com/2026/01/05/c...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
And if there's no war with Venezuela (and hence no application of the law of war), does that mean that the US military killing Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel was just murder?
January 5, 2026 at 6:52 PM
And if there's no war with Venezuela (and hence no application of the law of war), does that mean that the US military killing Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel was just murder?
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Factcheck:
The unlawful US military attack on Venezuela means the existence of an international armed conflict with Venezuela and the application of the law of war, including the protections of the Geneva Conventions.
The unlawful US military attack on Venezuela means the existence of an international armed conflict with Venezuela and the application of the law of war, including the protections of the Geneva Conventions.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz: "There is no war against Venezuela or its people. WE are not occupying a country. This was a law enforcement operation."
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz Statement at U.N. Security Council Meeting on Venezuela
YouTube video by C-SPAN
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Factcheck:
The unlawful US military attack on Venezuela means the existence of an international armed conflict with Venezuela and the application of the law of war, including the protections of the Geneva Conventions.
The unlawful US military attack on Venezuela means the existence of an international armed conflict with Venezuela and the application of the law of war, including the protections of the Geneva Conventions.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
My latest with the phenomenal @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social:
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
www.justsecurity.org
January 5, 2026 at 5:14 AM
My latest with the phenomenal @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social:
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
December 23, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
December 23, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
"To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful"
s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Yesterday, I spoke with MS Now about the purpose of the boat strikes.
December 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Yesterday, I spoke with MS Now about the purpose of the boat strikes.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters:
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
Trump’s Murderous Caribbean Campaign Is Worse Than ‘War’
The U.S. military’s deadly and illegal strikes on civilian boats have extraordinary consequences.
sojo.net
December 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters:
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters:
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
Trump’s Murderous Caribbean Campaign Is Worse Than ‘War’
The U.S. military’s deadly and illegal strikes on civilian boats have extraordinary consequences.
sojo.net
December 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters:
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net/magazine/jan...
Thank you @durbin.senate.gov for your letter to Sen. Grassley requesting a hearing on the boat strikes
"These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law"
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
"These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law"
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
December 18, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Thank you @durbin.senate.gov for your letter to Sen. Grassley requesting a hearing on the boat strikes
"These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law"
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
"These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law"
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Many experts warn that under international law, President Trump's blockade of Venezuela is an act of war.
🚨The House will vote TODAY on two War Powers Resolutions to block President Trump from launching unauthorized, disastrous new war against Venezuela.
Action resource⬇️
🚨The House will vote TODAY on two War Powers Resolutions to block President Trump from launching unauthorized, disastrous new war against Venezuela.
Action resource⬇️
'Unquestionably an Act of War': Trump Declares Naval Blockade Against Venezuela | Common Dreams
US President Donald Trump declared a blockade on "all sanctioned oil tankers" approaching and leaving Venezuela, a major escalation in what's widely seen as a march to war with the South American nati...
www.commondreams.org
December 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Many experts warn that under international law, President Trump's blockade of Venezuela is an act of war.
🚨The House will vote TODAY on two War Powers Resolutions to block President Trump from launching unauthorized, disastrous new war against Venezuela.
Action resource⬇️
🚨The House will vote TODAY on two War Powers Resolutions to block President Trump from launching unauthorized, disastrous new war against Venezuela.
Action resource⬇️
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
So, a blockade—if instituted—represents a quintessential use of a State’s belligerent rights. So much so that, when used against a non-State actor, it traditionally caused such an actor to be treated as if it were a State for law-of-war purposes.
Breaking news: President Trump ordered a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, a dramatic escalation in his months-long pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump announces ‘complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers to Venezuela
In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump also declared the government of President Nicolás Maduro a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:59 AM
So, a blockade—if instituted—represents a quintessential use of a State’s belligerent rights. So much so that, when used against a non-State actor, it traditionally caused such an actor to be treated as if it were a State for law-of-war purposes.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days.
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars - Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). ...
jayapal.house.gov
December 16, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days.
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days.
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars - Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). ...
jayapal.house.gov
December 16, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days.
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars.
jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Extraordinary courage from Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim, 43-year-old father of two, who bravely risked his life to save his neighbors celebrating Hanukkah.
Praying for his full & speedy recovery.
And so deeply inspired by his example.
Praying for his full & speedy recovery.
And so deeply inspired by his example.
December 14, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Extraordinary courage from Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim, 43-year-old father of two, who bravely risked his life to save his neighbors celebrating Hanukkah.
Praying for his full & speedy recovery.
And so deeply inspired by his example.
Praying for his full & speedy recovery.
And so deeply inspired by his example.
Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
“I’ve never seen as much unanimity among international law experts in opposition to US policy as I’ve seen to this,” said expert Geoffrey Corn.
“Congress has largely been focused on the double-tap strike. But the consensus among experts is that the entirety of the strikes is illegal.”
@naomilachance.bsky.social breaks down the details of Trump’s recent strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and what makes them illegal.
@naomilachance.bsky.social breaks down the details of Trump’s recent strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and what makes them illegal.
December 12, 2025 at 3:38 PM
“I’ve never seen as much unanimity among international law experts in opposition to US policy as I’ve seen to this,” said expert Geoffrey Corn.