Trump Declares 'Armed Conflict' with Drug Cartels, Pledging 'Total War' and Military Action

Former President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his rhetoric against powerful drug cartels, declaring the United States to be in an "armed conflict" with these groups and labeling them as "terrorists." Speaking at a rally in Waco, Texas, Trump outlined an aggressive strategy, vowing "total war" against these criminal organizations to staunch the flow of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, across the U.S.

border.

In a powerful address to his supporters, Trump asserted, "We are in armed conflict with the drug cartels, and it's about time that somebody said it." He went on to describe these groups not merely as criminals, but as a direct threat to national security, stating, "These drug cartels are terrorists, and we're going to treat them as such." This declaration signals a significant shift, equating the fight against drug trafficking with traditional military engagements against hostile forces.

Should he return to the White House, Trump pledged to deploy the full might of the U.S.

military, including elite special forces, to combat the cartels. His proposed tactics are far-reaching and confrontational, suggesting the possibility of missile strikes, drone attacks, and other assertive measures to dismantle their operations. "We will designate the drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations," he stated, a move that would unlock extensive powers for the U.S.

government to target their finances, assets, and personnel globally.

The former president emphasized the devastating impact of drug trafficking on American communities, particularly the fentanyl crisis, which he called a "weapon of mass destruction." He framed his proposed actions as a necessary and decisive response to protect American lives and sovereignty.

"We must dismantle the cartels, just like we dismantled ISIS," Trump declared, drawing a parallel to a previous military campaign against a recognized terrorist entity.

Trump's strong stance resonates with his consistent focus on border security and his previous administration's efforts to curb illegal immigration and drug flows.

His latest pronouncements underscore a commitment to a highly militarized approach to what he views as an existential threat from drug cartels, promising a radical departure from current strategies if he is elected in 2024.