President Trump has made a bold declaration: the United States is officially engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, which he has designated as terrorist organizations. This decisive stance underscores the seriousness of the situation as these criminal enterprises wage war on our country.
In a memo to Congress, Trump asserted that the American military stands ready to combat these threats head-on. The time for indecision is over, and the Trump administration has taken significant action, launching multiple strikes against vessels carrying narcoterrorists destined for our shores. We are at a critical juncture, and the President is unwavering in his commitment to protect American lives.
These drug cartels, identified as non-state armed groups, are waging an armed assault against the United States. The memo states unequivocally that their violent actions pose a severe danger to our citizens and the safety of our allies. It is no longer just a law enforcement issue; it is a matter of national defense.
Groups like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 have rightfully earned their places on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. These designations are not merely symbolic; they empower our military to act decisively to eradicate these threats.
The administration plans to carry out military operations as necessary to prevent further harm to American citizens. The memo directly states, “The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations.” This is a call to action that we must heed.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has executed precise strikes against drug-running boats, including a significant operation on September 2 that targeted a vessel from Tren de Aragua, loaded with massive amounts of drugs. A subsequent strike on September 15 resulted in the elimination of three male drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea, a clear signal that we will not stand idly by.
These military actions are crucial for national security, and they align with our legal framework for armed conflict. As White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized, “the President is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats.”
It is time to rally behind this determined approach to protect our nation from the scourge of drug violence. We must stand united against the cartels and reclaim our borders. The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable, and we will not falter in this fight.
