On Monday, November 17, President Donald Trump announced he would strike Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela to curb drug smuggling, claiming he would be proud of the actions.
Mexico
Trump said he would carry out an attack on Mexico if it stopped drug smuggling into the United States. He told reporters in the Oval Office that he would do whatever is needed to stop drugs and that he is in talks with Mexican officials who are aware of his stance. He denied answering whether such attacks would require Mexico’s consent.
Colombia
Trump also said he would be proud if he could destroy cocaine factories in Colombia. He explained that, while no one crosses the southern border, we know how the drugs are smuggled into the U.S., and he identified Colombia as having production sites. He reiterated his willingness to destroy those facilities with pride.
Venezuela
Asked whether he would exclude sending troops to Venezuela, Trump answered that he would not exclude it and that the U.S. must address the situation in Venezuela. He noted the increased presence of the USS Gerald Ford in the region.
US Naval Presence
Last week the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, arrived in Latin America, bringing more than four thousand sailors and dozens of combat aircraft. Deployed from the Mediterranean under Pentagon orders at the end of October, Washington says the mission is to support actions against international criminal organizations and drug smuggling.
This deployment coincides with rising tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the Trump administration calls President Nicolas Maduro an illegal leader and accuses him of ties with drug cartels. Maduro denies the allegations, claiming the U.S. buildup is an attempt to overthrow him.
