Trump to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations at Turning Point USA Event on January 20, 2025

Dec 22, 2024, 09:28 PM

President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations upon taking office on January 20, 2025. During a speech at a Turning Point USA forum in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump emphasized that he would expel all foreign gang members and utilize federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ICE, to dismantle cartel operations. He stated, "I will immediately designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations" and pledged to launch an anti-drug advertising campaign to highlight the dangers of drug use. Trump's declaration has drawn a firm response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stated that Mexico will not accept interference in its affairs, asserting the country's sovereignty. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of collaboration with the U.S. while rejecting any form of subordination.