The battle against illegal drugs entering the United States has been a longstanding issue, and President Trump has turned up the heat with his latest strategic maneuvers. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is fully on board with the President’s decision to clamp down on narco-terrorism, a move aimed at veneering a firm “enough is enough” line to Venezuela and similar actors. This aggressive stance is making waves, but according to experts, it’s the way to mend a problem that has been festering for far too long.
Critics, often clutching their pearls, have cried out about the President’s supposedly hawkish attitude, likening it to the days leading up to the Panama invasion. However, these critics might be ignoring history or conveniently overlooking the nuanced strategy at play. The administration has no interest in regime change; rather, it’s about drawing a line in the sand against the influx of drugs. This is a reasonable use of military resources, and arguably, long overdue. The President is acting within his constitutional rights, much to the chagrin of the hand-wringers who always seem to get things wrong.
There is speculation about the potential establishment of a more permanent U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, between Venezuela and the welcoming shores of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The reality, however, suggests that while the military footprint might expand temporarily, boots on the ground in hostile territories are not expected anytime soon. The president’s current actions send a clear message: the days of playing footsie with narco-terrorism are over. It’s not just about immediate intervention; it’s about stabilizing the region long-term, and letting certain leaders know their time might be running out.
When reflecting on the devastating impact of drugs like fentanyl, some can’t help but wonder if this should’ve been the course of action all along. During the Biden Administration, over 400,000 lives have been claimed by fentanyl poisoning—a figure that might have been significantly different had these cartels been labeled as narco-terrorists sooner. Instead of focusing on social experiments within the military, the current administration is revisiting the basics of national defense, aiming to erect solid barriers against drug smuggling.
Finally, these actions serve as a warning to those who think they can bypass the law and indirectly contribute to the overdose epidemic sweeping across America. Narco-terrorists from Nicholas to lesser-known transnational figures have been duly notified: the U.S. has now set its sights on strangling their operations. The first steps in this new approach are being taken, and with any luck, it will catch on like wildfire to significantly reduce the dangers these drug traffickers pose not only domestically, but worldwide.
