Trump Decided the U.S. Is in a War With Drug Cartels

President Trump has “determined” that the U.S. is engaged in a formal “armed conflict” with drug cartels that his administration has labeled terrorist organizations, according to a confidential notice sent to Congress.

The notice, which was obtained by The Times, offered the administration’s legal rationale for three deadly U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea. In an armed conflict, as defined by international law, a country can lawfully kill enemy fighters even when they pose no threat.

In the notice, the Trump administration told Congress that the cartels that are engaged in smuggling drugs are “nonstate armed groups” whose actions “constitute an armed attack against the United States.”

Geoffrey Corn, a retired judge advocate general lawyer who was formerly the Army’s senior adviser for law-of-war issues, said that the actions of the cartels did not meet the standard for “hostilities.” He described Trump’s move as an “abuse” that crossed a major legal line.

Trump promised cuts to ‘Democrat agencies’

The president described the ongoing government shutdown as an “unprecedented opportunity” to enact sweeping cuts to the federal government. He said today that he would meet with his budget chief to determine which “Democrat agencies” he could try to cut.

The White House press secretary also said that it was “likely” the government could shed workers by the “thousands” if the shutdown continues. Still, Democrats showed little sign of budging from their demand for Republican concessions on health care in exchange for their vote to fund the government.

An attacker killed 2 at a British synagogue on Yom Kippur

A man attacked a synagogue in Manchester, England, today, using a car and a knife to kill two people and injure four others on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The police said they shot and killed the man minutes after he began his assault, which the country’s counterterrorism police formally labeled an act of terrorism.

The police identified the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent. The attack came at a time of rising antisemitism around the world and in Britain. Here’s what we know about what happened.

Mysterious drones have unsettled Denmark

Danish stores have reported huge increases in sales of emergency rations, emergency radios, rice and canned mackerel. The reason: Several large drones have appeared over military bases and airports in Denmark, only to vanish into the night sky.

Analysts suspect, and the authorities have implied, that they are part of a Russian strategy to probe Europe’s preparedness and unsettle the public. Norwegian authorities detected unknown drones in their airspace, too, and briefly shut down Oslo airport.

More top news

• Health: The F.D.A. approved a new generic abortion pill.

• Politics: A Times poll found that a large majority of Americans now believe that the country is incapable of overcoming its deep divisions.

• Gaza: Hamas has not yet given its response to Trump’s plan to end the war. Many Gazans told our reporter that the group should accept it.

• Tech: Our reporters tried Sora, OpenAI’s new video-generating app — a TikTok clone that they found disconcerting.

• Protests: Groups known as Gen Z Madagascar and, in Morocco, Gen Z 212, held the latest in a string of youth-led demonstrations that have taken place across the world.

• Air travel: The F.A.A. is investigating after two planes collided on a LaGuardia Airport taxiway, injuring one person.

• Michigan: A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints raised $200,000 for the family of the man who attacked a congregation in Michigan on Sunday.

• Nature: Scientists designed a test to see if wolves are more afraid of humans than of other animals. Even a calm voice frightened them more than dogs barking.

• Crime: A group known as the Zizians believed that veganism was essential to preventing an A.I. doomsday. Officials are unwinding their ties to the deaths of six people in three states.

It’s time for Taylor Swift’s victory lap

There is no more dominant force in the world of pop music than Taylor Swift. She proved that once again with her record-breaking Eras Tour, which wrapped up in December. Now engaged, and still on top of the world, Swift is releasing her 12th album at midnight Eastern.

She has described the album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” as being about her “exuberant and electric and vibrant” experiences during her big tour. Swift made the album with the Swedish writers and producers Max Martin and Shellback, who were responsible for some of her biggest hits.

For more: Look back at the pivotal moments that led to Swift’s superstardom.

Channing Tatum is finding his confidence

Channing Tatum’s unusual ability to convey character with effortless sincerity seems to be rediscovered every few years — first with “Step Up” and “She’s the Man,” and later in the Oscar-nominated “Foxcatcher.” Even Tatum has had a hard time believing in his talent.

Now, as his starring performance in “Roofman” arrives in theaters, he told our culture reporter Kyle Buchanan that he finally feels like he can hold his own. “For the very first time in my life,” Tatum said, “I feel like I could sit across from even the most beautifully trained British actor and go toe-to-toe with them and not feel like I’m apologizing as I’m acting with them.”

Dinner table topics

• The new Dior: Jonathan Anderson showed his first women’s wear collection. It was a scream.

• Political romance: She loved Eric Adams. After years of keeping it secret, she’s now talking.

• Jane Goodall’s lessons: The scientist, who died yesterday at 91, was a model for healthy aging.

• Prime prams: Strollers have gone ultraluxury.

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

The garage is the new porch

In Houston, when football season kicks off, so does garage season. Some locals move their cars and lounge in folding chairs; others have couches, televisions, coolers and room for friends. In such a car-centric city, the open environment provides an opportunity for interactions with neighbors and passers-by.

“We’re getting older and I guess we’re becoming porch people,” one local said. “Our garage has become our front porch.”

Have a social evening.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back tomorrow. — Matthew

Philip Pacheco was our photo editor.

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