Trump’s “War on Cartels”: Navy Strike in Caribbean Sparks Legal and Global Debate

Interview
Written By David Petri

Rear Adm. William Baumgartner, USCG (Ret.)

PBS News Hour

September 4, 2025

NSL4A member Rear Admiral William Baumgartner, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), appeared on PBS NewsHour to debate the legality of using lethal force against suspected narcotics-smuggling vessels. Admiral Baumgartner previously served as Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard, as well as Commander of the Seventh District, where he directed all Coast Guard missions in the Southeast U.S. and the Caribbean Basin, including narcotics interdiction operations.

David Petri

Dave Petri is a marketing and sustainability professional with 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. Since 2010, Dave’s professional experience has primarily been in the Outdoor Industry, including industry-wide leadership roles. He launched Cynosura Consulting in 2019 and is the principal consultant, providing his expertise to various companies and organizations in the manufacturing, hospitality, and event management sectors.

https://www.cynosurallc.com
Next

Keep Florida’s National Guard mission-ready, for Florida’s sake