Former President Donald Trump has reiterated that military strikes against Mexican drug cartels are still an option as the United States grapples with the escalating fentanyl crisis. In an interview with Fox News, Trump and his potential 2024 running mate, JD Vance, discussed the devastating impact of fentanyl on American lives and the need for decisive action against the cartels.
Former President Donald Trump has once again emphasized the possibility of military strikes against Mexican drug cartels as the United States battles the relentless fentanyl crisis. In an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters, Trump declared that "absolutely" all options were on the table, including direct military intervention.
Trump's comments come amidst growing concerns about the surge in fentanyl-related deaths. According to the Ohio attorney general's office, over 2,000 pounds of meth and 1,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized within the state in recent years. The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has estimated that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have claimed the lives of over 1 million people since 2000.
Trump: Strikes Against Mexican Drug Cartels Remain on the Table Amid Fentanyl Crisis
The fentanyl crisis has taken a heavy toll on American families and communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 115 Americans die from opioid overdoses each day, with fentanyl being a major contributor.
During the interview, Trump recalled a deal he had brokered with Chinese President Xi Jinping to impose the death penalty on anyone caught trafficking fentanyl into the United States. He expressed regret that the Biden administration had not pursued this approach, which he believed could have made a significant difference in combating the crisis.
Trump: Strikes Against Mexican Drug Cartels Remain on the Table Amid Fentanyl Crisis
Trump also criticized the Mexican government for its perceived inaction in addressing the drug cartels. He suggested that Mexico would be given a short period to "police their border" effectively, or face potential military intervention from the United States.
Trump's running mate for the 2024 presidential election, JD Vance, echoed Trump's concerns. Vance pointed out that his own mother had struggled with drug addiction and would likely not have survived if fentanyl had been as prevalent 20 years ago.
Trump: Strikes Against Mexican Drug Cartels Remain on the Table Amid Fentanyl Crisis
Vance argued that the Mexican government itself desired Trump's intervention against the drug cartels, as their activities were destabilizing Mexico and generating billions of dollars in illicit profits. He warned that Mexico risked becoming a "narco-state" if the cartels' influence was not curtailed.
In conclusion, Trump's assertion that military strikes against Mexican drug cartels are still on the table underscores the urgency of the fentanyl crisis in the United States. The escalating death toll and the devastating impact on American families demand decisive action from both domestic and international authorities.
Trump: Strikes Against Mexican Drug Cartels Remain on the Table Amid Fentanyl Crisis
