Amid challenges, foreign governments and U.S. lawmakers have options to hold the president accountable.
On September 22, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly. During his speech, he issued two threats: one of military action in Latin America to protect U.S. interests, and another of total destruction aimed at both the Iranian government and its people.
These statements raised significant legal concerns. The proposals not only violated international laws against war but also breached international humanitarian law, which safeguards civilians in conflicts. The U.N. Charter expressly prohibits such threats, while the laws of war, which are also integrated into U.S. law, forbid issuing indiscriminate threats against civilian populations.
The declarations by President Trump were not made privately. They occurred in the presence of thousands of diplomats and global leaders, turning his speech into public acts that qualify as crimes under international and domestic laws.