Scott R. Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social
General Counsel and Senior Editor at Lawfare. Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Columbia Law School. Former diplomat and lawyer.
Pinned
The Troubling Defense of the Second Strike
Even absent an order to “kill everybody,” the Trump administration’s actions—like its broader military campaign—raise serious legal concerns that demand further scrutiny.
www.lawfaremedia.org
Now up on @lawfaremedia.org: @nkorpett.bsky.social and I on the lingering legal problems still surrounding the second strike on alleged drug smugglers that killed 2 survivors, and how it reflects legal problems with the broader military campaign.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
A note on today’s announcement on Maduro’s capture: insofar as the Trump admin is relying on the consent of Venezuela’s opposition (and U.S.-recognized gov’t) as an international legal justification, that would be new — not even clearly supported by the Panama precedent.
January 3, 2026 at 2:28 PM
A note on today’s announcement on Maduro’s capture: insofar as the Trump admin is relying on the consent of Venezuela’s opposition (and U.S.-recognized gov’t) as an international legal justification, that would be new — not even clearly supported by the Panama precedent.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
In a recent Lawfare Research Report, @sranderson.bsky.social outlines a strategy—called the “de facto authorities rule”—for addressing scenarios where sanctioned terrorist groups take control of government social media accounts and act as local de facto authorities.
Platforms, Sanctions, and Unrecognized Regimes
A novel strategy for social media platforms dealing with local de facto authorities like the Taliban.
www.lawfaremedia.org
December 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
In a recent Lawfare Research Report, @sranderson.bsky.social outlines a strategy—called the “de facto authorities rule”—for addressing scenarios where sanctioned terrorist groups take control of government social media accounts and act as local de facto authorities.
Last chance to get these in (as I'm assembling the list for tomorrow's recording)! Get them in ASAP to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org (or just DM me)!
It’s time for Rational Security’s annual end-of-year episode!
We will talk about topics and share object lessons submitted by you: the listeners. Submit your topics or object lessons you want us to discuss by emailing them to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org by Dec. 21.
We will talk about topics and share object lessons submitted by you: the listeners. Submit your topics or object lessons you want us to discuss by emailing them to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org by Dec. 21.
December 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Last chance to get these in (as I'm assembling the list for tomorrow's recording)! Get them in ASAP to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org (or just DM me)!
Rubio is correct that that was his position when he was in the Senate! But it was wrong then too...
From a piece I wrote for @washingtonpost.com in 2020: www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five...
From a piece I wrote for @washingtonpost.com in 2020: www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five...
December 19, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Rubio is correct that that was his position when he was in the Senate! But it was wrong then too...
From a piece I wrote for @washingtonpost.com in 2020: www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five...
From a piece I wrote for @washingtonpost.com in 2020: www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five...
This is an immensely important step in removing a statutory authorization that had long outlived its original intended purpose, and was primed to be used in unexpected and potentially problematic ways.
Great to see bipartisan leadership from Sens. Kaine and Young yield results like this.
Great to see bipartisan leadership from Sens. Kaine and Young yield results like this.
Huge news: after many years, my bipartisan bill with Senator Todd Young to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq was signed into law. This is a historic win for Americans and allows us to close the book on this forever war.
December 19, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This is an immensely important step in removing a statutory authorization that had long outlived its original intended purpose, and was primed to be used in unexpected and potentially problematic ways.
Great to see bipartisan leadership from Sens. Kaine and Young yield results like this.
Great to see bipartisan leadership from Sens. Kaine and Young yield results like this.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social and @nkorpett.bsky.social analyze the legality of the Trump admin's airstrikes and find that, even if you accept its flawed in'l legal justification for the broader campaign, Pete Hegseth's alleged order to "kill them all" and the resulting second strike are unlawful.
The Troubling Defense of the Second Strike
Even absent an order to “kill everybody,” the Trump administration’s actions—like its broader military campaign—raise serious legal concerns that demand further scrutiny.
www.lawfaremedia.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:58 PM
@sranderson.bsky.social and @nkorpett.bsky.social analyze the legality of the Trump admin's airstrikes and find that, even if you accept its flawed in'l legal justification for the broader campaign, Pete Hegseth's alleged order to "kill them all" and the resulting second strike are unlawful.
Now up on @lawfaremedia.org: @nkorpett.bsky.social and I on the lingering legal problems still surrounding the second strike on alleged drug smugglers that killed 2 survivors, and how it reflects legal problems with the broader military campaign.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
The Troubling Defense of the Second Strike
Even absent an order to “kill everybody,” the Trump administration’s actions—like its broader military campaign—raise serious legal concerns that demand further scrutiny.
www.lawfaremedia.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Now up on @lawfaremedia.org: @nkorpett.bsky.social and I on the lingering legal problems still surrounding the second strike on alleged drug smugglers that killed 2 survivors, and how it reflects legal problems with the broader military campaign.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
It's the "Tyler's Revenge" edition!
On Rational Security, @sranderson.bsky.social, Ari Tabatabai and @tylermcbrien.com discussed the week’s news in national security, including President Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping, the U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean, and more.
On Rational Security, @sranderson.bsky.social, Ari Tabatabai and @tylermcbrien.com discussed the week’s news in national security, including President Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping, the U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean, and more.
October 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
It's the "Tyler's Revenge" edition!
On Rational Security, @sranderson.bsky.social, Ari Tabatabai and @tylermcbrien.com discussed the week’s news in national security, including President Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping, the U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean, and more.
On Rational Security, @sranderson.bsky.social, Ari Tabatabai and @tylermcbrien.com discussed the week’s news in national security, including President Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping, the U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean, and more.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
Join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org and @annabower.bsky.social at 8 pm ET for a live discussion of Bower’s article about her Signal exchange with EDVA U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan. youtube.com/live/SZZyccE...
Lawfare Live, The Now: Anna Bower's Signal Exchange with Lindsey Halligan
YouTube video by Lawfare
youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org and @annabower.bsky.social at 8 pm ET for a live discussion of Bower’s article about her Signal exchange with EDVA U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan. youtube.com/live/SZZyccE...
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
EXCLUSIVE: One Saturday afternoon in October, my phone lit up with a notification.
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
October 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
EXCLUSIVE: One Saturday afternoon in October, my phone lit up with a notification.
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously endorsed amendments to the NDAA and seem set to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.
To better understand the arguments for repeal, revisit Senior Editor @sranderson.bsky.social's two-part series, "How the 2002 Iraq AUMF Got to Be So Dangerous" below ⬇️
To better understand the arguments for repeal, revisit Senior Editor @sranderson.bsky.social's two-part series, "How the 2002 Iraq AUMF Got to Be So Dangerous" below ⬇️
October 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously endorsed amendments to the NDAA and seem set to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.
To better understand the arguments for repeal, revisit Senior Editor @sranderson.bsky.social's two-part series, "How the 2002 Iraq AUMF Got to Be So Dangerous" below ⬇️
To better understand the arguments for repeal, revisit Senior Editor @sranderson.bsky.social's two-part series, "How the 2002 Iraq AUMF Got to Be So Dangerous" below ⬇️
In today's hearing in Widakuswara v. Lake re: the dismantling of Voice of America, Judge Lamberth just indicated he intends to issue an order later today enforcing his prior preliminary injunction, which—if as requested by plaintiffs—would pause RIFs there.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/69846...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/69846...
WIDAKUSWARA v. LAKE, 1:25-cv-01015 - CourtListener.com
Docket for WIDAKUSWARA v. LAKE, 1:25-cv-01015 — Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information.
www.courtlistener.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:51 PM
In today's hearing in Widakuswara v. Lake re: the dismantling of Voice of America, Judge Lamberth just indicated he intends to issue an order later today enforcing his prior preliminary injunction, which—if as requested by plaintiffs—would pause RIFs there.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/69846...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/69846...
Joined @gregsargent.bsky.social of @newrepublic.com on his "The Daily Blast" podcast to talk through the big legal questions raised by President Trump's recent lethal strike on Tren de Aragua. Listen here:
Awful: Sen Tim Kaine reached out to numerous GOP Senators to ask them to join his letter laying out basic questions for Trump about drug boat bombing, Senate staffer tells me. Zero Rs agreed.
On the pod we discuss this & deeper legal issues w/ @sranderson.bsky.social
newrepublic.com/article/2003...
On the pod we discuss this & deeper legal issues w/ @sranderson.bsky.social
newrepublic.com/article/2003...
Trump Drug Boat Bombing Takes Darker Turn as Damning New Info Emerges
As Trump’s decision to kill 11 drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea suddenly starts looking even worse, a legal expert explains how brazenly Trump is stretching the law—and why it’s so unnerving.
newrepublic.com
September 12, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Joined @gregsargent.bsky.social of @newrepublic.com on his "The Daily Blast" podcast to talk through the big legal questions raised by President Trump's recent lethal strike on Tren de Aragua. Listen here:
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
Did the president's Venezuelan "boat strike" violate the law?
By applying the tools of war to civilians, writes @sranderson.bsky.social, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.
Read the piece here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...
By applying the tools of war to civilians, writes @sranderson.bsky.social, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.
Read the piece here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...
September 5, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Did the president's Venezuelan "boat strike" violate the law?
By applying the tools of war to civilians, writes @sranderson.bsky.social, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.
Read the piece here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...
By applying the tools of war to civilians, writes @sranderson.bsky.social, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.
Read the piece here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
I joined the @lawfaremedia.org gang today to discuss the legal implications of the U.S. “drug boat” strike. Thanks to @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org and @sranderson.bsky.social for having me on —
TODAY at 2:30 pm ET, join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @sranderson.bsky.social, and @becingber.bsky.social for a live discussion of the U.S. strike on an alleged “drug boat” in Venezuela, the gathering of U.S. troops and warships in the Caribbean, and more.
youtube.com/live/N5LVn-8...
youtube.com/live/N5LVn-8...
Lawfare Live: U.S. Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Venezuelan ‘Drug Boat’
YouTube video by Lawfare
youtube.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:24 PM
I joined the @lawfaremedia.org gang today to discuss the legal implications of the U.S. “drug boat” strike. Thanks to @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org and @sranderson.bsky.social for having me on —
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
In 1 hour, join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @sranderson.bsky.social, @annabower.bsky.social, James Pearce, Loren Voss, and @qjurecic.bsky.social will discuss the legality of the White House canceling $4.9B in foreign aid, this morning's hearing over Fed gov. Lisa Cook's firing, and more.
Lawfare Live: Trials of the Trump Administration, Aug. 29
YouTube video by Lawfare
youtube.com
August 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In 1 hour, join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @sranderson.bsky.social, @annabower.bsky.social, James Pearce, Loren Voss, and @qjurecic.bsky.social will discuss the legality of the White House canceling $4.9B in foreign aid, this morning's hearing over Fed gov. Lisa Cook's firing, and more.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
RSVP today to join Lawfare on Sept. 19 to celebrate our 15 year anniversary—a decade and a half of rigorous analysis, trusted insight, and independent journalism at the intersection of national security, law, and policy!
givebutter.com/lawfare15
givebutter.com/lawfare15
Lawfare's 15-Year Anniversary Celebration
A milestone moment for Lawfare—and the impact you have made possible
givebutter.com
August 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
RSVP today to join Lawfare on Sept. 19 to celebrate our 15 year anniversary—a decade and a half of rigorous analysis, trusted insight, and independent journalism at the intersection of national security, law, and policy!
givebutter.com/lawfare15
givebutter.com/lawfare15
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
In 1 hour, watch @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @annabower.bsky.social, @rparloff.bsky.social , @sranderson.bsky.social, and @chrismirasola.bsky.social discuss today's hearing in D.C.'s suit challenging the Trump admin's take over of the police department, the hearing in Newsom v. Trump & more.
Lawfare Live: Trials of the Trump Administration, Aug. 15
YouTube video by Lawfare
youtube.com
August 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In 1 hour, watch @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @annabower.bsky.social, @rparloff.bsky.social , @sranderson.bsky.social, and @chrismirasola.bsky.social discuss today's hearing in D.C.'s suit challenging the Trump admin's take over of the police department, the hearing in Newsom v. Trump & more.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
Washington Journal
#CSPAN #CSPANWJ
Skeet at @c-span.bsky.social and cspanwj.bsky.social
Brookings Institution's Scott Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social on Constitutional authority Presidents have to deploy National Guard, role of Armed Forces in domestic situations.
LIVE: tinyurl.com/ye924826
#CSPAN #CSPANWJ
Skeet at @c-span.bsky.social and cspanwj.bsky.social
Brookings Institution's Scott Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social on Constitutional authority Presidents have to deploy National Guard, role of Armed Forces in domestic situations.
LIVE: tinyurl.com/ye924826
August 15, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Washington Journal
#CSPAN #CSPANWJ
Skeet at @c-span.bsky.social and cspanwj.bsky.social
Brookings Institution's Scott Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social on Constitutional authority Presidents have to deploy National Guard, role of Armed Forces in domestic situations.
LIVE: tinyurl.com/ye924826
#CSPAN #CSPANWJ
Skeet at @c-span.bsky.social and cspanwj.bsky.social
Brookings Institution's Scott Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social on Constitutional authority Presidents have to deploy National Guard, role of Armed Forces in domestic situations.
LIVE: tinyurl.com/ye924826
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
Come work for Lawfare!
We are hiring a new associate editor.
Associate editors work with authors to edit articles, host podcasts, have opportunities to write articles, and more! The deadline to apply is Sep. 2, 2025. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/come...
We are hiring a new associate editor.
Associate editors work with authors to edit articles, host podcasts, have opportunities to write articles, and more! The deadline to apply is Sep. 2, 2025. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/come...
Come Work With Us—As Our New Associate Editor!
The Lawfare Institute—publisher of information and insight at the intersection of national security, law and policy—seeks a motivated full-time associate editor based in Washington, DC.
www.lawfaremedia.org
August 11, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Come work for Lawfare!
We are hiring a new associate editor.
Associate editors work with authors to edit articles, host podcasts, have opportunities to write articles, and more! The deadline to apply is Sep. 2, 2025. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/come...
We are hiring a new associate editor.
Associate editors work with authors to edit articles, host podcasts, have opportunities to write articles, and more! The deadline to apply is Sep. 2, 2025. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/come...
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
Today's Lawfare Daily is 2 conversations @sranderson.bsky.social had at the Aspen Security Forum. First he spoke with @shashj.bsky.social discuss the new dynamics surrounding European security. Then he sat down with Iris Ferguson (@csis.org) to discuss the strategic significance of the Arctic.
July 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Today's Lawfare Daily is 2 conversations @sranderson.bsky.social had at the Aspen Security Forum. First he spoke with @shashj.bsky.social discuss the new dynamics surrounding European security. Then he sat down with Iris Ferguson (@csis.org) to discuss the strategic significance of the Arctic.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
It's the "Live from Aspen edition!
@sranderson.bsky.social sat down with @shaneharris.bsky.social, @markleongoldberg.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social live from the Aspen Security Forum to discuss what foreign ministers were talking about, the hottest topic at the form, AI, and more.
@sranderson.bsky.social sat down with @shaneharris.bsky.social, @markleongoldberg.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social live from the Aspen Security Forum to discuss what foreign ministers were talking about, the hottest topic at the form, AI, and more.
July 21, 2025 at 5:57 PM
It's the "Live from Aspen edition!
@sranderson.bsky.social sat down with @shaneharris.bsky.social, @markleongoldberg.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social live from the Aspen Security Forum to discuss what foreign ministers were talking about, the hottest topic at the form, AI, and more.
@sranderson.bsky.social sat down with @shaneharris.bsky.social, @markleongoldberg.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social live from the Aspen Security Forum to discuss what foreign ministers were talking about, the hottest topic at the form, AI, and more.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
I'm in @lawfaremedia.org on DOJ's new citizenship-stripping initiative. Will they try to denaturalize Mamdani, Musk, Rosie O'Donnell? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But there's a long history here, and (for now) real legal limits.
BONUS: I link to a relevant Mamdani rap track.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
BONUS: I link to a relevant Mamdani rap track.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
What to Make of the Justice Department’s Denaturalization Initiative
The policy will terrify some naturalized citizens without cause and may dissuade others from naturalizing or coming to the United States in the first place.
www.lawfaremedia.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM
I'm in @lawfaremedia.org on DOJ's new citizenship-stripping initiative. Will they try to denaturalize Mamdani, Musk, Rosie O'Donnell? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But there's a long history here, and (for now) real legal limits.
BONUS: I link to a relevant Mamdani rap track.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
BONUS: I link to a relevant Mamdani rap track.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
My friends and former colleagues at the State Department are some of the most committed public servants I know. They've committed careers to our country and in many cases put their lives on the line for it.
They deserve so much better than this arbitrary and capricious nonsense.
They deserve so much better than this arbitrary and capricious nonsense.
July 11, 2025 at 7:18 PM
My friends and former colleagues at the State Department are some of the most committed public servants I know. They've committed careers to our country and in many cases put their lives on the line for it.
They deserve so much better than this arbitrary and capricious nonsense.
They deserve so much better than this arbitrary and capricious nonsense.
Reposted by Scott R. Anderson
1/I’ve obtained a farewell note a person in the human rights bureau sent out to his colleagues after being fired from the State Department today. A few tidbits from it:
July 11, 2025 at 6:44 PM
1/I’ve obtained a farewell note a person in the human rights bureau sent out to his colleagues after being fired from the State Department today. A few tidbits from it: