Trump threatens to intervene in Mexico after acting in Venezuela and pressuring Greenland
- Reduction in drug imports and operation in Caracas
- National security and Mexico's stance on intervention
- Relationship with Mexico and political agenda on Venezuela
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, the United States' foreign offensive focused on the acquisition of Greenland for ‘national security measures.’ Donald Trump has assured that he is about to launch “ground” attacks against drug cartels, which he accuses of ‘running Mexico.’ ‘We are going to start attacking on the ground when it comes to the cartels,’ he said in an interview with Fox News.
Among the White House's arguments is the responsibility of these organisations for the harm caused by drugs in the United States.
During the interview, the American president claimed that these organisations are responsible for the deaths of between 250,000 and 300,000 people a year in the United States. Drug use is on the rise in the country, especially fentanyl, the drug of choice on the west coast.
Reduction in drug imports and operation in Caracas
Although he pointed out that his administration has reduced the entry of narcotics into the country by sea by 97%, the truth is that consumption has not stopped and the legalisation of many states of so-called ‘soft drugs’ highlights the magnitude of the problem.
Thus, despite the fact that fewer drugs are entering the United States, Trump is determined to take action against the drug cartels. These statements come just one week after the military police operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in Caracas to stand trial on charges of ‘narco-terrorism’.
National security and Mexico's stance on intervention
Trump's words and actions send a clear message to the world: the White House will not hesitate to act beyond its borders in the name of national security.
Since the start of his second term, Trump has been very clear that he wants a strong fight against drug trafficking. He has even suggested using the US army to confront the cartels. Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, disagrees with this. She has said that Mexico is an independent country and that her government prefers peaceful solutions and working together with other countries.
Relationship with Mexico and political agenda on Venezuela
Trump reiterated that Mexico is like the United States' backyard, implying that Mexico is not doing enough to combat organised crime. Experts believe that this is a new version of the way Washington has always wanted to intervene in the region. Trump commented: "We would like Mexico to take care of this, they can do it, but unfortunately the cartels are very powerful.
In the same interview, Trump said that next week he will meet with María Corina Machado, the leader of the opposition in Venezuela. He also repeated that he stopped eight wars. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, who represents Chavismo in the negotiations, announced that they would release several prisoners, including five Spaniards, as a political gesture.