Trump Orders Pentagon to Target Foreign Drug Cartels

President Trump has secretly authorized the military to use force against Latin American drug cartels classified as foreign terrorist organizations.

The move is the most aggressive action Trump has yet taken against gangs trafficking drugs like fentanyl across the US-Mexico border, the activities of which were previously the purview of federal law enforcement.

The order, first reported Friday by the New York Times, gives US forces official permission to engage cartels on land and sea.

Since taking office, the president has upped tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing their inability to shut down drug and people smuggling into the US — and directing immigration agents to go after new arrivals with gang ties.

Trump has also hosted families impacted by gang violence at the White House and has vowed to strip cartels of their assets to give to families impacted by “migrant crime.”

The Justice and State departments announced Thursday they would award $50 million to anyone providing details leading to his arrest for violating US drug laws.