Recent revelations reported by Daily Mail Online on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, there’s speculation that former President Donald Trump might deploy special operations teams into Mexico to target drug cartel leaders if he secures another term in the White House. Insights from Rolling Stone, based on sources familiar with Trump’s thoughts, suggest that this contemplation dates back to his initial presidency.
While in office, Trump reportedly explored options like missile strikes against cartel activities. Now, with the issue of drug smuggling intensifying along the southern border, Trump is vocally advocating for covert strategies to combat these criminal organizations.
The inspiration for such actions seems to stem from a successful military raid in 2019 that eliminated ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. However, executing similar operations against Mexican drug cartels poses significant diplomatic and legal challenges, potentially straining relations with the Mexican government.
Sources suggest that Trump envisions a “kill list” targeting cartel leaders during a potential second term. He has expressed frustration over previous administrations’ perceived reluctance to undertake assassination missions against these criminals.
His public stance aligns with his campaign website, outlining plans to leverage military assets like the U.S. Navy and special forces to tackle the drug problem. However, past discussions around extreme measures like missile strikes on drug labs in Mexico faced pushback due to legal and diplomatic complexities.
While some of these ideas were previously dismissed, they are gaining traction among certain Republican figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who pledged similar actions if elected.
This article delves into the potential strategies and challenges associated with Trump’s considerations regarding Mexican drug cartels, reflecting ongoing debates and political stances on combating drug trafficking.