The MeidasTouch Podcast Top Military Lawyers Issue Statement on Trump War Crimes
11 snips
Nov 30, 2025 A striking statement from former top military lawyers accuses Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth of committing war crimes during a controversial attack off Venezuela's coast. The podcast dives into the legal implications, referencing international laws that protect shipwrecked survivors. It highlights the unanimous consensus from a panel of JAGs that orders to kill these survivors violate fundamental legal protections. The discussion also critiques Hegseth's previous writings advocating for harsh treatment of enemies, presenting a chilling overview of military accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Former JAGs Call The Orders War Crimes
- A group of former top military lawyers say orders to kill survivors in the Venezuela boat strikes would constitute war crimes and murder if true.
- They call for Congressional investigation and public opposition to any intentional targeting of defenseless persons.
Law Says Survivors Must Be Protected
- The lawyers explain that whether the operation is a non-international armed conflict or not, intentionally killing shipwrecked or helpless survivors is illegal under international law.
- They emphasize obligations to protect, rescue, and treat such survivors, with violations amounting to war crimes or murder.
Duty To Disobey Patently Illegal Orders
- The former JAGs advise military members that patently illegal orders, like killing survivors, must be disobeyed.
- They state those who issue or follow such orders can and should be prosecuted for war crimes, murder, or both.
