Amid rising attacks on small boats across the Caribbean and Pacific, President Donald Trump on Monday renewed his hardline stance against drug cartels operating in Mexico and Colombia. His latest remarks came as part of a broader strategy aimed at intensifying US operations against drug trafficking networks and their supply routes.
Trump has green-lighted more aggressive interdiction missions, granting US forces expanded authority to strike, disable, or sink vessels believed to be transporting illegal narcotics. This move marks a significant tightening of US maritime operations and reflects Trump’s long-standing campaign promise to dismantle transnational drug flows.
When asked inside the oval office whether he supported launching similar ground-based attacks in Mexico to combat drug groups, Trump replied: “OK with me — whatever we have to do to stop drugs.” His remark signaled an openness to tougher measures, though it stopped short of confirming specific military actions.
Trump also hinted at possible strikes on cocaine-processing laboratories in Colombia, although he avoided directly announcing any formal US military involvement. “Would I destroy those factories? I’d be proud to do it,” he declared. “Even though I didn’t say I was doing it, we’re going to save millions of lives — and I would be proud to do it.”
The president’s comments stand in contrast to remarks made days earlier by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reassured that the United States had no intention of sending troops into Mexico. Rubio emphasized that cooperation between the two countries was currently at an “all-time high,” rooted in intelligence sharing, training, and non-intrusive support.
“We’re not going to take unilateral action or deploy American forces into Mexico,” Rubio said in Canada. “But we can support them with equipment, training, intelligence — anything they ask for.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who frequently highlights her positive working relationship with Trump, rejected earlier reports suggesting the US was preparing a unilateral anti-cartel mission involving troops or intelligence operatives in Mexico. She reaffirmed that no such military plans were underway.
Meanwhile, tensions between washington and Bogotá have been rising due to disagreements between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over drug enforcement strategies. In October, the US imposed sanctions on Petro, accusing him of failing to curb the flow of cocaine into the United States.
Last week, Petro retaliated by ordering Colombian security agencies to stop sharing intelligence with US spy services until Washington halts its aggressive targeting of Colombian vessels in the Caribbean. The diplomatic rift has added a new layer of strain to an already contentious partnership.
Spokespersons for both Sheinbaum and Petro did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Trump’s latest statements.
| Country / Leader | Trump’s Position | Recent Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico / Claudia Sheinbaum | Open to stronger anti-drug actions; supports harsher pressure on cartels | Sheinbaum denies any US unilateral military entry into Mexico |
| Colombia / Gustavo Petro | Supports idea of targeting cocaine labs | Petro halts intelligence sharing; US sanctions imposed in October |
| United States / Marco Rubio | No ground troops in Mexico; prefers cooperation | Emphasis on equipment, training, and intelligence support |
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