I don't need international law: Trump

US President Donald Trump has dismissed international law concerns following Washington’s recent military operation in Venezuela, which included an attack on a military base and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Adela Flores.

In a New York Times interview, Trump said, “I don’t need international law. I’m not trying to hurt people.”

Critics, however, view his remarks as a clear violation of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against a nation’s territorial integrity or political independence.

Analysts say the Venezuela operation highlights Trump’s aggressive stance. He indicated that the US will manage the country and utilise its oil resources, working with interim president Delcy Rodríguez while signalling further military action if directives are disobeyed.

This week, Trump also referenced proposals involving Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro and potential control over Greenland. Senior adviser Stephen Miller stated the US will act “unapologetically” to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere.

International law experts warn that Trump’s disregard for global norms could destabilise the international order. UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite described the remarks as “highly dangerous” and a threat to global stability.