President Donald Trump has signed a directive approving an updated National Counterterrorism Strategy. The complete elimination of transnational drug cartels has now been declared the administration’s top priority, with the White House viewing them as one of the greatest threats to U.S. national security.
“Drug cartels are not simply criminal organizations. They are terrorist organizations that kill Americans on our soil, poison our cities with fentanyl, and undermine the sovereignty of both Mexico and the United States. We will treat them accordingly — as terrorists,” Trump stated at the document’s signing ceremony.
Under the new strategy, the fight against cartels will be conducted along several lines:
A significant expansion of military and intelligence agency authority to conduct operations against cartel leadership and infrastructure.
Strengthened border control and construction of additional barriers.
Intense pressure on Mexican authorities demanding active joint action against the cartels.
Harsher penalties for fentanyl and other synthetic drug trafficking, including the possible application of the death penalty for major drug lords.
The document emphasizes that cartels such as Sinaloa and Jalisco possess military-grade capabilities, modern weaponry, and corrupt connections, which justify classifying their activities as terrorism.
The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense have already received instructions to prepare specific operational plans within the next 30 days. According to administration sources, the possibility of resuming a targeted elimination program against key cartel figures on Mexican territory is under consideration.
The new strategy takes effect immediately. Experts predict that a significant intensification of operations on both the American and Mexican sides of the border should be expected in the coming months.