Democrats Allege Trump Issued Illegal Military Orders
Congressional Democrats are raising the possibility of legal violations concerning former President Trump's alleged military orders, and are reviewing whether international law was followed in relation to the video in question. Representative Adam Smith expressed concerns that Trump's military orders may have violated international law. While he did not specify the contents of the orders, he suggested they may not have met legal standards. "The President's orders must comply with the Constitution and the law," Smith said, calling for a thorough investigation.
Joy Behar emphasized a critical perspective on Trump's orders, reminding service members of the Nazi Nuremberg trials. She argued that soldiers are not obligated to obey illegal orders, even if they come from superiors. The Nuremberg trials were international military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute Nazi war criminals. At the time, the defendants argued that they were 'just following orders,' but the court did not accept this defense. The Nuremberg Principles clarified that individuals can be held responsible for illegal orders. Behar cited the Nuremberg trials as an example, emphasizing soldiers' right and duty to refuse illegal orders. "Obeying illegal orders does not exempt individuals from legal responsibility," she added.
Questions have been raised as to whether former President Trump actually issued illegal military orders and whether those orders violated international and U.S. domestic law. The scope of soldiers' legal responsibilities is also a major point of contention. Legal experts are explaining the criteria for judging illegal orders based on military criminal law and international law. In general, manifestly illegal or inhumane orders can be refused, and complying with such orders can result in legal liability. However, there are also opinions that superiors' judgment should be respected when it is difficult to determine the legality of an order.
In the past, there have been cases where allegations have been made that high-ranking U.S. officials have issued illegal orders. In such cases, the truth was revealed through investigations by Congress or special prosecutors, and those involved were punished. There is a growing call for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth about these allegations of illegal military orders from former President Trump.
The Trump camp has not yet issued an official statement on the allegations. Campaign officials are not responding to media requests for comment and are remaining silent. Some suggest that there is a political motive behind the Democrats' allegations. However, the Democrats argue that the allegations are an effort to establish the rule of law for the public good.
The truth about the allegations is expected to be revealed through future congressional hearings or a special prosecutor investigation. The results of the investigation could affect Trump's legal punishment and political standing. This controversy is reigniting the debate in American society about the powers and responsibilities of the Commander-in-Chief and the right of soldiers to disobey orders. It is also highlighting the importance of compliance with international law and the issue of responsibility for war crimes.
