Halt the Escalation of Extrajudicial Military Authority NOW

I write to you as a concerned citizen witnessing what appears to be the normalization of unchecked executive militarism. Recent actions taken by President Trump raise serious alarm signals—ranging from symbolic rebranding of military institutions to potential war crimes under the guise of emergency response. I urge Congress to act decisively and protect our constitutional and international legal obligations. On September 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to re-designate the Department of Defense as the “Department of War”—a title last used in 1949. The order extends to a symbolic rebranding: officials are now permitted to use titles like “Secretary of War” and the Pentagon’s website has already switched to war.gov. Why? This move is largely symbolic—since law still defines the agency as the Department of Defense—but charged with aggressive rhetoric. Secretary Pete Hegseth declared a shift from passive defense to “maximum lethality.” Critics warn this fuels belligerence and distracts from legitimate defense policy. Earlier this week, the U.S. military conducted an airstrike in international waters on a vessel alleged to be operated by the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua, killing 11 individuals. The administration justified the strike by labeling those aboard as “narcoterrorists,” but provided no evidence of an imminent threat, violent intent, or armed resistance—key prerequisites under international law to justify lethal force. Legal and international experts warn this may constitute an extrajudicial killing and a serious departure from due-process norms. Beyond the rebranding and violent escalation, the administration has taken steps to undermine international legal institutions, including sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and human rights groups that support ICC investigations—actions which further isolate the U.S. from global accountability mechanisms. Requested Congressional Actions 1. Launch an Immediate Congressional Inquiry into the legality and chain of command regarding the boat strike—especially concerning any updates to the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or other military directives. 2. Mandate Reporting for Use of Force Abroad, including criteria that meet domestic and international legal standards such as proof of imminent threat, evidence of armed intent, and transparency in operations. 3. Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to International Law, including support for ICC and human rights investigations, and halt punitive actions against institutions that promote justice, not undermine it. Thank you for protecting our country.