Donald Trump Reiterates Intention to Label Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has reaffirmed his commitment to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. During a gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump stated, “Foreign gang members will be expelled and I will immediately designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. I will do it right away.” This declaration hints at policy measures he plans to implement upon taking office on January 20, 2025.
Addressing a conservative gathering, Trump highlighted the perceived threat from drug cartels operating within the United States. He emphasized that these criminal networks would be dismantled and deported, mentioning the presence of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, in Aurora, Arizona.
Trump also discussed a phone conversation with Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. He described her as charming and wonderful but stressed, “I told her: You cannot do this to our country.” He plans to launch a campaign to raise awareness among Americans about the dangers of drugs such as fentanyl, stressing their negative impacts on health and appearance.
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, during a social program event in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, expressed strong opposition to foreign interference in Mexico’s security matters. She emphasized, “There is drug consumption mainly there (in the U.S.). Weapons come from there, and we bear the brunt with our lives. That’s not acceptable. We collaborate, we coordinate, we work together, but we will never subordinate ourselves. Mexico is a free, sovereign, independent country, and we do not accept intrusions within our borders.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed the desire to classify cartels as terrorist organizations. “They will be designated. I’ve been working on it for the last 90 days. The designation process is not simple; it requires going through specific procedures and we are involved in that,” he previously mentioned.
Secondary Article:
Trump’s Proposed Measures to Combat Drug Cartels Meet with Varied Reactions
Following Donald Trump’s announcement about designating drug cartels as terrorist groups, reactions on the state and international levels have been mixed. Many security analysts warn that such a designation could complicate diplomatic relations and potentially hinder cooperative efforts between the U.S. and other countries, especially Mexico.
Critics argue that the approach might lead to military interventions instead of focusing on law enforcement and judicial cooperation. Some fear that it might exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and its southern neighbor, considering the complex socio-economic dynamics of drug trafficking.
On the other hand, supporters believe this tough stance is a necessary step in addressing the growing threat of drugs like fentanyl. They commend the initiative as a bold move to curb the influx of narcotics, which they feel has been insufficiently tackled through traditional methods.
Overall, Trump’s proposed designation continues to stir debate in policy circles, as stakeholders parse out the potential implications for regional stability, law enforcement strategies, and international relations.