Trump to Classify Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and announced plans for a new anti-drug advertising initiative focused on highlighting the physical consequences of fentanyl. Experts have warned that such a measure could negatively impact bilateral relations with Mexico and undermine joint efforts in combating drug trafficking.

Trump stated that while he had recently spoken with Sheinbaum and considers her “a remarkable and capable leader,” he reiterated his firm stance. “I made it clear that this situation cannot continue, and we will no longer tolerate it. I will promptly designate cartels as terrorist groups,” he asserted.

Sheinbaum has strongly rejected the proposal, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. “We collaborate, coordinate, and work in partnership, but we will never subordinate ourselves. Mexico is a free, sovereign, and independent nation, and we do not accept foreign interference,” she stated.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for such a designation to strain US-Mexico bilateral relations and weaken Mexico’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. Moreover, historical precedent indicates that classifying cartels as terrorist organizations could lead Trump to justify deploying special forces to target cartels, even without the consent of Mexico’s government.

Previously, in a Rolling Stone report, Trump proposed a “soft invasion” of Mexico, which includes covert operations such as drone and airstrikes on cartel infrastructure, deployment of US military advisors and trainers, and cyberattacks targeting cartel leaders and networks. The proposal faced widespread criticism from Sheinbaum, who firmly stated that Mexico would not permit such measures.

Regarding the drug campaign initiative, Trump provided limited details but compared it to a political campaign, noting that significant funds would be allocated. “We will demonstrate the harm caused by drugs—how they damage physical appearance, the skin, the face, and teeth,” he stated.

The proposed campaign echoes the "Just Say No" initiative of the 1980s, led by former US First Lady Nancy Reagan to combat youth drug use. Following the significant rise in synthetic opioid-related deaths during his administration, with the death toll more than doubling from 2017 to 2021, Trump has made the fentanyl crisis a central focus of his 2024 campaign.