Trump Thinks His Administration Is ‘Like Pirates’ The U.S. Navy, historically established to combat piracy and defend commercial interests, is now being likened to pirates by President Trump himself, who views seizing ships and cargo as a ‘profitable business.’ This ‘buccaneering attitude’ is reflected in actions like blowing up boats without due process and a proposed bill to commission privateers. Despite these actions, the campaign has not impacted the cocaine trade, and historical precedents suggest this approach is not only legally questionable but also financially inefficient.

• The U.S. Navy was historically established to fight piracy and defend American commercial interests.
• President Trump has characterized his administration’s actions, such as seizing cargo and oil, as being ‘like pirates.’
• The Trump administration has been conducting strikes against boats in the Pacific and Caribbean without clear legal justification or due process.
• A senator has proposed allowing the U.S. government to commission privateers to combat drug traffickers, a concept historically associated with piracy.
• Despite causing over 200 deaths, these strikes have not diminished the cocaine trade to the United States.
• Trump’s approach prioritizes financial gain through seizing assets over upholding freedom of navigation, as seen with seized Venezuelan oil tankers.
• The historical U.S. role in the Strait of Hormuz would be to defend free navigation, but Trump’s focus is on financial gain and maximalist language.
• Seizing ships and cargo, while alluring, carries significant financial costs and risks, potentially undermining the prosperity enabled by free navigation.