{"id":2396089,"date":"2025-01-28T12:29:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T17:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/musk-and-don-trump-jr-express-support-for-reviving-letters-of-marque-against-cartels-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T12:31:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T17:31:01","slug":"musk-and-don-trump-jr-express-support-for-reviving-letters-of-marque-against-cartels-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/musk-and-don-trump-jr-express-support-for-reviving-letters-of-marque-against-cartels-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Musk and Don Trump Jr. express support for reviving letters of marque against cartels &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">34<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmusk-and-don-trump-jr-express-support-for-reviving-letters-of-marque-against-cartels-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2396089&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Elon Musk and donald Trump Jr. have expressed support \u200dfor reviving the concept of letters of marque and reprisal to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-border-crisis-is-killing-americans-data-shows\/\" title=\"The Border Crisis Is Killing Americans, Data Shows\">combat drug cartels<\/a>. This idea was presented by Senator Mike lee, who proposed \u2063that\u2063 these letters \u2064could \u200cauthorize private \u200dsecurity firms or specially trained individuals to <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">intercept cartel\u200d operations involving drug trafficking<\/a> and human trafficking at the \u2064U.S. border.Lee argued that \u2063this approach could disrupt cartel supply chains effectively while saving taxpayer money. <\/p>\n<p>Both Musk and\u2063 Trump Jr. endorsed this plan on social\u2063 media,suggesting it could be an efficient solution to the problem with Mexican drug \u2063cartels.The proposal, however, has received mixed reactions. While many supporters \u2063found it appealing, critics questioned its \u2064feasibility and raised concerns about the legality of capturing drug assets. Critics also pointed out that the historical context for such letters is different\u200b today, given \u2062the meaningful capabilities of the\u200c U.S. military compared to the past. Senator Lee has previously mentioned this concept in political speeches, likening it to state-sponsored piracy.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Musk and Don Trump Jr. express support for reviving letters of marque against cartels<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1957778\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Tesla CEO <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/elon-musk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Elon Musk\">Elon Musk<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump-jr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Elon Musk\">Donald Trump Jr.<\/a> expressed support for reviving letters of marque and reprisals to combat drug cartels.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>On Monday, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) laid out a detailed plan to bring back the old tactic of privateering, in which the government would give private actors its blessing to raid enemy ships, taking part of the loot as payment. Though the practice was largely ended by the 1856 Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law after the Crimean War, Lee suggested reviving and modernizing it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armed men belonging to the Self-Defense Council of Michoacan stand guard at a checkpoint at the entrance of Antunez, Mexico, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (AP Photo\/Eduardo Verdugo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders,&rdquo; Lee suggested after pointing out that the Constitution still gives it authority to issue the letters.<\/p>\n<p>The privateers would &ldquo;focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/explosions-erupt-in-russia-held-areas-far-from-ukraine-war-front\/\" title=\"Explosions Erupt in Russia-Held Areas Far From Ukraine War Front\">disrupting supply lines<\/a>, capturing high-value targets, or seizing assets like boats, vehicles, cash, gold, or equipment used in criminal activities.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Lee argued that the move would allow more flexibility in combating threats from drug cartels and save taxpayer money. His proposal drew support from several of those close to President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re looking for an effective, efficient, @DOGE-compliant way to combat Mexican drug cartels &mdash; especially those now threatening to target U.S. planes deporting illegal aliens &mdash; you will really like this thread proposing letters of marque and reprisal as a possible solution!&rdquo; Trump Jr. said in a post on X, quoting Lee&rsquo;s proposal.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">If you&rsquo;re looking for an effective, efficient, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DOGE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@DOGE<\/a>-compliant way to combat Mexican drug cartels&mdash;especially those now threatening to target U.S. planes deporting illegal aliens&mdash;you will really like this thread proposing letters of marque and reprisal as a possible solution! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/m3OOez0KKZ\">https:\/\/t.co\/m3OOez0KKZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DonaldJTrumpJr\/status\/1883986978087317960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;This would work very fast,&rdquo; Musk said in an X post quoting the proposal.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This would work very fast <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/B9R7ppAVyi\">https:\/\/t.co\/B9R7ppAVyi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1884108149839499628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 28, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Lee&rsquo;s proposal largely drew praise and memes on social media, with many Trump supporters voicing their approval. Other critics were more skeptical, with some pointing out logistical problems with the plan.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Letters of Marque and Reprisal were effective in the past because privateers could legally sell the ships and cargo they captured. The most valuable property that drug dealers own is drugs. Would the government let the privateers sell the drugs they capture?&rdquo; the Cato Institute&rsquo;s Alex Nowrasteh <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AlexNowrasteh\/status\/1884266278673866943\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"said\">said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Daily Beast&rsquo;s<\/em> Janna Brancolini called the proposal &ldquo;crazy.&rdquo; She said the primary reason for letters of marque in the United States&rsquo;s case was to compensate for the lack of a sizeable navy &mdash; in stark contrast to the military power the U.S. is today.<\/p>\n<p>Monday wasn&rsquo;t the first time Lee floated the idea &mdash; he first mentioned the power in a 2011 Conservative Political Action Conference speech. However, the speech was less a proposal than a history lesson.<\/p>\n<p>He <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.is\/o\/pWOgz\/https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6u0lbtTanj4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"explained\">explained<\/a> that letters of marque are &ldquo;essentially a hall pass issued by Congress that entitles the bearer to act in the United States&rsquo;s name and engage in state-sponsored acts of piracy on the high seas.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;And so, help me, if it&rsquo;s the last thing I do &hellip; I&rsquo;m going to get a letter of marque of reprisal,&rdquo; he said, drawing laughter. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to get a ship and an eyepatch, and I&rsquo;m going to be a pirate, and you&rsquo;re all invited to join me!&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lee&rsquo;s Monday proposal also resembles the more modern filibustering, in which people would gather private armies to invade Latin American countries with the intention of setting up their own governments, sometimes with the tacit blessing of the U.S. government.<\/p>\n<p>The most successful, William Walker, conquered Nicaragua in 1856.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1957778\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1957778\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Musk and Trump Jr. back reviving letters of marque against cartels<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2653,"featured_media":2396090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AP519391335239.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[13819,35411,49344,4250,32076],"class_list":["post-2396089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cartels","tag-don-trump-jr","tag-letters-of-marque","tag-musk","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AP519391335239.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2396089"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2396093,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396089\/revisions\/2396093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2396090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2396089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2396089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2396089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}