Memorandum on Continuation of United States Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

This presidential memorandum, issued by President Donald J. Trump on July 16, 2020, provides direction to executive branch agencies, specifically the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. It certifies that the interdiction of aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Colombia's airspace is necessary due to the extraordinary threat drug trafficking poses to Colombia's national security. The memorandum also certifies that Colombia has procedures in place to protect against the loss of innocent life during such interdiction, including warning aircraft before using force. The Secretary of State is directed to publish this determination and notify Congress.

This action affects U.S. executive branch agencies, particularly the State Department and the Department of Defense, by guiding their operations related to drug interdiction. It also directly concerns the Government of Colombia and its efforts to stop illicit drug trafficking by aircraft in its airspace. The memorandum aims to ensure procedures are in place to protect against the loss of innocent life in connection with these interdiction efforts.

This memorandum matters because it continues U.S. assistance to Colombia in its efforts to stop drug trafficking by air, which is described as an extraordinary threat to Colombia's national security. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting innocent lives during these operations. Presidential memoranda like this one are a standard administrative tool used by presidents to guide executive branch agencies on their priorities and how to implement existing laws, with the President's authority grounded in Article II of the Constitution.

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