President Donald Trump appeared to test the limits of his power during a live White House presser on Thursday, brushing aside the usual boundaries that define the presidency.

During the exchange, he suggested he would “just kill” foreign drug traffickers without due process or congressional approval — eventually turning to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose attempt to back him up only made the moment more alarming.

Trump’s absolutely startling comments came during a question-and-answer session with reporters at the White House on Thursday, when he also falsely declared that his administration had reduced the illegal flow of drugs into the U.S. by sea to “less than 5 percent” of what it was before he took office.

A reporter asked Trump why not just officially declare war.

“Mr. President, if you are declaring war against these cartels, and Congress is likely to approve of that process, why not just ask for a declaration of war?”

Trump’s stunning answer seemed to shock everyone present

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“Well, I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, OK? We’re going to kill them, you know, they’re going to be like, dead, OK?” Trump threatened.

Threads user Stephany Faublas reacted this way, “Omg. I’ve never gasped so hard and so loud.”

This Threads user agreed,” WHY THE HELL are we not doing ANYTHING about this dementia-ridden felon villain???”