Commanding Admiral steps down from Southern Command

Something very interesting happened this week regarding Donald Trump’s new war on drugs.

Adm. Alvin Holsey is the commanding officer of  U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which is responsible for the strikes against drug cartels.

As Trump looks to possibly make land attacks, Holsey unexpectedly turned in his resignation.

Another Drone Strike

This week, it was announced that Trump had approved yet another strike against an alleged drug boat, only this time, not everyone on board was killed.

According to reports, there were two, possibly three, survivors of the strike, with rescue efforts launched immediately after the strike.

However, SOUTHCOM has still not announced if those rescue efforts were successful or if the survivors wound up lost at sea or succumbing to wounds during the attack.

These strikes have encouraged Trump to possibly conduct land strikes.

Hit Them Hard

While there is outrage over the strikes in international waters, if Trump were to conduct a strike on Venezuelan soil, well, that is a whole new ballgame.

There are obvious questions about Trump needing congressional approval, but he does not seem too worried about that.

Trump stated, "We are certainly looking at land now because we've got the sea very well under control.”

He later added, "A lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea, so you get to see that, but we're going to stop them by land also.”

I’m Leaving

Upon announcing his retirement, Holsey stated, "The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so. I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe."

There was no further information from him on the matter, and the announcement by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was nothing more than a simple “thank you for your service” message.

I believe Holsey did not like the direction these strikes were taking, and I think when Trump started to talk about land strikes, he bailed. Not everyone is on board with going after drug cartels this way (I am, for the record), so I can understand why he would want to protect himself against possible legal repercussions.

I would also mention that Holsey was appointed by former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, so, honestly, it is probably much better for Trump to get his guy in place in this command who is completely on board with the mission. Stay tuned, as I would bet dollars to donuts that Holsey will be doing the media circuit to explain his position soon enough, and I would imagine it will not be good for Trump when he starts running his mouth.