The use of lethal force by the United States, once confined to traditional battlefields, has undergone a significant expansion over the past two decades. This shift, beginning under the Obama administration and continuing through the Trump administration, has raised serious questions about due process, accountability, and the very definition of warfare.
A History of Extrajudicial Killings
In May 2013, President Barack Obama was interrupted during a speech in Washington by a protester condemning his administration’s use of drone strikes in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia. The protester specifically questioned the legality of killing a 16-year-old American boy, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, in Yemen without due process. While Obama acknowledged the protester’s concerns, the drone strikes continued. Prior to the incident, a delegation had met with Abdulrahman’s grandfather, Nasser al-Awlaki, who questioned how the U.S. could kill an American child without justification.
Under Obama, thousands were killed by drone strikes, creating a climate of fear in affected communities. A 2012 visit to Pakistan by CODEPINK revealed the devastating impact of these strikes firsthand, with a tribal leader recounting a U.S. missile strike on a peaceful gathering of elders, followed by a second strike on those attempting to help the wounded. No one in Washington was held accountable for the deaths of the 42 people, including elders and local officials.
The Expansion Under the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has expanded the scope of these extrajudicial killings to the sea, employing “double taps”—strikes on the same target after initial responders arrive. As of December 15, 2025, these strikes have resulted in the deaths of 95 people across 25 boats. The administration has refused to release the legal justification for these actions, as well as video footage of a September bombing that killed two shipwrecked sailors who had survived an initial strike.
Alejandro Carranza Medina, a Colombian fisherman killed on September 15, was one victim of these maritime strikes. His family has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, asserting he was simply working when he was killed. Even in cases involving suspected narcotics trafficking, the administration’s actions are being challenged as unlawful killings that bypass due process.
Legal Challenges and Calls for Transparency
Civil liberties groups are currently suing the government to compel the release of the Office of Legal Counsel opinion and related documents pertaining to these maritime strikes. Lawmakers are also demanding the release of the video footage from the September “double tap” incident. Advocates argue that transparency and accountability are essential, echoing demands made during the Obama administration that went unanswered.
Looking Ahead
If these trends continue, the United States could see a further erosion of legal constraints on the use of lethal force. It is possible that future administrations may interpret existing precedents as granting even broader authority to conduct extrajudicial killings, potentially leading to increased civilian casualties and a further weakening of international law. Alternatively, increased public pressure and legal challenges could force a reevaluation of these policies and a return to greater adherence to due process. A shift in public opinion or a change in administration could also lead to greater transparency and accountability for past actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial protest during President Obama’s speech?
A protester interrupted President Obama’s speech in May 2013 to condemn his administration’s use of lethal drone strikes, specifically questioning the killing of 16-year-old American citizen Abdulrahman al-Awlaki in Yemen without due process.
What is a “double tap” strike?
A “double tap” strike, employed by the Trump administration, involves striking the same target a second time, often after initial responders arrive to provide assistance.
What is the current legal status of these extrajudicial killings?
The legal basis for these killings is being challenged, with civil liberties groups suing the government for the release of relevant documents and lawmakers demanding transparency regarding the justification for these actions.
What role does accountability play in preventing future instances of extrajudicial killings?
