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Karoline Leavitt Lays Down the Gauntlet over Gavin Newsom’s Latest Threat
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Karoline Leavitt Lays Down the Gauntlet over Gavin Newsom’s Latest Threat

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday responded to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s threat to sue the Trump administration over a proposed settlement with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), urging him to follow through on his statements.

The dispute stems from the Department of Justice’s proposal that UCLA pay $1 billion to settle allegations of antisemitism on campus.

The proposal also calls for the university to contribute $172 million to a claims fund for victims of civil rights violations, in exchange for the restoration of $584 million in federal research funding.

At a White House press briefing, Leavitt defended the legality of the settlement proposal.

“Bring it on, Gavin,” she said.

“This administration is well within its legal right to do this and we want to ensure that our colleges and our universities are respecting the First Amendment rights and the religious liberties of students on their campuses, and UCLA has failed to do that. And I have a whole list of examples that I will forward to Gavin Newsom’s press office if he hasn’t seen them himself.”

The DOJ proposal follows a series of high-profile incidents at UCLA in 2023, including anti-Israel demonstrations in which campus protesters allegedly set up a “Jew Exclusion Zone” requiring students to denounce Israel to enter certain areas.

Reports indicated that some university administrators privately expressed support for the protests and discussed rewarding participants.

On July 29, UCLA reached a $6.5 million settlement in a separate discrimination lawsuit brought by students and a professor over the “Jew Exclusion Zone.”

Under that agreement, the university committed to donating $2.33 million to its own antisemitism prevention fund and to several Jewish organizations.

Governor Newsom criticized the administration’s proposal in remarks to reporters on Friday, calling it an attack on academic freedom.

“Donald Trump today is trying to silence academic freedom; he’s attacking one of the most important public institutions in the United States of America,” Newsom said, according to KQED.

“He has threatened us through extortion with a billion-dollar fine unless we do his bidding. So as long as I am governor, I will stand tall and push back against that, and I believe every member of the California legislature feels the same way.”

University of California President James Milliken also spoke against the proposal, saying a $1 billion payment would “completely devastate our country’s greatest public university system” and negatively affect “all Californians,” KQED reported.

Leavitt maintained that the proposed settlement is aimed at ensuring compliance with federal civil rights law and protecting students’ constitutional rights.

She stated that the administration is prepared to provide detailed examples of alleged violations by UCLA administrators.

The conflict between California’s leadership and the Trump administration now appears headed for a potential legal battle, with both sides standing by their positions.

No timeline has been announced for UCLA’s formal response to the DOJ proposal.

MSNBC’s Scarborough: Democrats Secretly Support Trump’s Federal Police Takeover
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MSNBC’s Scarborough: Democrats Secretly Support Trump’s Federal Police Takeover

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MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said Tuesday that numerous Democrats have privately expressed support for President Donald Trump’s decision to assume federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

Speaking on “Morning Joe,” Scarborough said he has heard from “so many” Democrats in recent days who believe the federal government should have intervened in the city’s policing long ago.

“This is a fascinating story because so many people have been calling me over the past couple of days, going, you know, like Washington, should have gotten involved years ago. This place is dangerous, it’s a mess, it’s a wreck and whatever,” Scarborough said.

“And then they’ll go on Twitter and go ‘this is the worst outrage of all time.’ Which I understand, it’s like people need to express their concerns about Donald Trump going too far.”

Scarborough noted that some of the concerns stem from memories of the National Guard’s deployment in 2020.

He said, “We saw what happened back in 2020 with the National Guard, certainly can’t have any repeat of that. I don’t want the federalization of the entire city, but man, I don’t care what the crime statistics say, crime has been a problem in this city for the 32 years I’ve been living inside and outside of the city.”

The MSNBC host contrasted the safety perceptions between Washington, D.C., and New York City, saying that D.C. residents, including Democrats he has spoken with, have told him they avoid walking more than a few blocks at night.

“It’s just, even now, we, Mika and I, we’re talking to somebody who lives in the city, these are all Democrats who said, you know, our friends won’t walk more than three blocks in D.C. at night without feeling the complete opposite of New York City, where I’ll walk 40 or 50 blocks at night and not think twice about it,” Scarborough said.

“In New York City, in midtown downtown. I mean, New York is a safe, safe place. Washington D.C., man, it’s door to door.”

Trump announced the federal takeover of D.C.’s police force earlier this week, citing rising violent crime and a need to restore public safety.

The plan includes deploying National Guard troops and FBI agents to assist local law enforcement in addressing criminal activity in high-crime neighborhoods.

The move has sparked public criticism from several Democratic lawmakers, but Scarborough’s comments suggest that some within the party privately welcome the effort.

While these Democrats have not expressed such views publicly, Scarborough indicated that their concerns about crime in the capital are longstanding and bipartisan in nature.

The federal control initiative marks one of the most significant interventions in local D.C. policing in decades.

The Justice Department has said the goal is to supplement local resources, reduce violent crime, and improve safety for residents and visitors. The length of the federal oversight has not been specified.

Scarborough’s remarks add to the ongoing debate over crime and policing in Washington, which has become a focal point in national discussions about public safety and federal authority in the nation’s capital.

UFC Independence Day Championship Planned for South Lawn, Dana White Confirms
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UFC Independence Day Championship Planned for South Lawn, Dana White Confirms

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White says the White House will host a UFC cage fight on the South Lawn, with the event set for Independence Day next year, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, White confirmed that the fight will take place at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. “That is going to happen,” he said.

According to CBS News, White discussed the plan with President Donald Trump on Monday night and is scheduled to meet with both the president and Ivanka Trump at the end of the month to finalize event details and review venue renderings.

A source familiar with the preparations confirmed that the White House expects the event to occur.

“When he called me and asked me to do it, he said, ‘I want Ivanka in the middle of this,’” White recalled. “So Ivanka reached out to me, and her and I started talking about the possibilities, where it would be and, you know, I put together all the renderings.”

While the Independence Day date has been set, White did not announce any fighters for the match.

President Trump first raised the idea publicly last month during a rally in Iowa, where he was speaking at a “Salute to America” event.

“We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We’re going to build a little — we’re not, Dana’s going to do it. Dana’s great. One of a kind,” Trump said.

Trump said it would be a “championship fight” and estimated the South Lawn setup could hold a crowd of 25,000 people.

White and Trump have maintained a long friendship. The president has regularly attended UFC events over the years, often receiving strong applause from fans when entering arenas.

Democrats Stand with Criminals as DC Police Union Backs Trump’s Crackdown
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Democrats Stand with Criminals as DC Police Union Backs Trump’s Crackdown

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President Donald Trump announced Monday that his administration will place the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C., under federal control and deploy National Guard troops in response to concerns over rising crime in the nation’s capital.

The move follows months of debate over public safety in the District and comes as local officials defend their handling of the situation.

During the announcement, President Trump cited a need for immediate action to address public safety concerns, declaring a federal “public safety emergency” in the city.

The plan includes oversight of the MPD by Attorney General Pam Bondi and additional resources to combat violent crime.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from several Democratic leaders.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said there was no basis for the intervention, claiming, “Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at a thirty-year low.”

Jeffries’ remarks referenced city statistics showing reported violent crime down 26% compared to the same period last year.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb also condemned the move, calling it “unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful.”

In a statement, Schwalb said, “The Administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful. There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Violent crime in D.C. reached historic 30-year lows last year, and is down another 26% so far this year. We are considering all of our options and will do what’s necessary to protect the rights and safety of District residents.”

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the decision as well, describing it as an “authoritarian power grab” and “a dress rehearsal” for broader executive overreach.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s official crime data has come under scrutiny in recent months.

In July, NBC4 Washington reported that MPD Commander Michael Pulliam was under investigation for allegedly directing officers to reclassify certain felony crimes as lesser offenses. Pulliam denied the allegations.

Amid the political dispute, the DC Police Union — representing more than 3,000 officers — issued a statement in support of the federal action.

“The DC Police Union, representing over 3,000 officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), today acknowledges and supports the President’s announcement this morning to assume temporary control of the MPD in response to the escalating crime crisis in Washington, DC,” the statement said.

“The Union agrees that crime is spiraling out of control, and immediate action is necessary to restore public safety. However, we emphasize that federal intervention must be a temporary measure, with the ultimate goal of empowering a fully staffed and supported MPD to protect our city effectively.”

The union’s position highlights a divide between local officials and rank-and-file officers over how to address crime.

While city leaders point to overall reductions in reported violent crime, law enforcement representatives maintain that on-the-ground conditions justify the president’s actions.

The federal control of the MPD is set to remain in place temporarily, with the stated objective of stabilizing public safety while working toward a return to local oversight.

The National Guard deployment is expected to assist in targeted operations and bolster police presence in high-crime areas.

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security will work with Attorney General Bondi to coordinate enforcement measures and evaluate progress in reducing criminal activity during the period of federal oversight.

No timeline has yet been announced for the end of the federal control, but administration officials have said the arrangement will be reviewed regularly based on crime data and operational readiness of the MPD.

Trump’s ICE Recruitment Drive Surges Past 100,000 Applicants Nationwide
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Trump’s ICE Recruitment Drive Surges Past 100,000 Applicants Nationwide

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More than 100,000 Americans have applied to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in just over two weeks following the launch of a nationwide recruitment drive, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Monday, as reported by Fox News.

President Donald Trump’s administration began the initiative at the end of July, aiming to hire 10,000 additional ICE agents.

The effort, which includes expanded eligibility, signing bonuses, and other incentives, drew 80,000 applications by August 6 and has now surpassed 100,000.

“Our country is calling you to serve at ICE. In the wake of the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, your country needs dedicated men and women of ICE to get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

X Screenshot – Secretary Kristi Noem

“This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland.”

Applicants for ICE law enforcement positions must pass medical and drug screenings, along with a physical fitness test. The agency is offering signing bonuses of up to $50,000, student loan repayment or forgiveness, and additional benefits to attract qualified candidates.

“Your country is calling on you to serve at ICE and defend the Homeland,” Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said.

“In the wake of the Biden administration’s open border policies, the dedicated men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges in removing millions of criminal illegal aliens from our country. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we now have funding to recruit and hire Americans who want to patriotically serve their country and protect American communities.”

The surge in interest comes amid a significant rise in violence against ICE personnel. DHS reports show at least an 830% increase in assaults on agents during riots and protests nationwide. Secretary Noem said that figure has now risen to 1,000%.

Los Angeles, California, USA – June 10, 2025: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) field officers guard a federal building during ICE deportation protests in Downtown LA.

ICE’s recruitment website highlights three main positions: deportation officer, criminal investigator, and general attorney, though additional opportunities are posted on the federal government’s official jobs portal.

The agency addresses safety concerns directly on its site.

“ICE law enforcement officers should expect a certain level of risk when performing their duties; however, they are expertly trained and every precaution is taken by ICE when it comes to protecting its officers’ well-being,” the FAQ section reads.

The hiring surge is part of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, aimed at increasing operational capacity and removing criminal illegal aliens from U.S. communities.

Mother of Slain Congressional Intern Backs Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown
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Mother of Slain Congressional Intern Backs Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown

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The mother of a congressional intern killed in a drive-by shooting earlier this year is praising President Donald Trump’s decision to take control of public safety in Washington, D.C., saying she believes the move will help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss, as reported by The New York Post.

President Trump announced Monday that his administration will federalize the Metropolitan Police Department and activate the District of Columbia National Guard in an effort to address violent crime and public safety concerns in the city.

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym’s son, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, was killed in June while working as a congressional intern. She said the president’s remarks gave her hope.

“When I heard the news today, and he mentioned my son, not by name, and mentioned the others who have been victims of violent crime, I was so happy and I said, I looked at Eric’s ashes, and I said ‘Eric, you haven’t died in vain,’” Tarpinian-Jachym told The Story on Monday.

“Things will change so other people are safe when they go visit DC or work in DC and that’s my goal, to make people safe.”

She said she has been told there is surveillance footage from the shooting but described the images as grainy. When she traveled to D.C. to identify her son’s body, she said cab drivers warned her about the dangers of the area at night.

No arrests have been made in the case. In July, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sent a letter to Eric’s parents expressing condolences.

“While we may never fully understand the impact that Eric has had during his meaningful life, we know he will be remembered for his kindness, faithfulness, and devotion to your family and his many friends,” the letter read.

“He will also be remembered for his commitment to our country. I know how proud Congressman Estes was to have Eric represent his office, the people of Kansas’ Fourth Congressional District, and our Nation.”

Tarpinian-Jachym said she still has unanswered questions about her son’s death.

“I don’t know exactly how many bullets hit my son. All I know is from what the death certificate says, several bullet wounds,” she said. “I know nothing and maybe that’s for the better, so they can catch this person or these persons. I am praying it will happen.”

She expressed confidence in U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, who is overseeing the case.

“She doesn’t pull punches. She’s for victims and I respect that woman and I respected what she told me, ‘It’s going to take a long time, Mrs. Jachym. We’re going to do our dual diligence’ and I believe her. She is for victims,” Tarpinian-Jachym said.

She added that people should be able to walk around the city without fear. “The interns are from other parts of the country. They didn’t know how dangerous D.C. was. It was like a well-kept secret, if you want my honest opinion.”

Mexican President Defends Alleged Narco-Terrorist Maduro Amid U.S. Charges
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Mexican President Defends Alleged Narco-Terrorist Maduro Amid U.S. Charges

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly defended Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro this week following new U.S. charges accusing him of leading a narco-terrorist organization and trafficking drugs into the United States.

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest from $25 million to $50 million.

The department alleges that Maduro has served for more than a decade as a leader of the Cartel de los Soles, which it designates as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group.

The U.S. Treasury Department officially designated the cartel as an SDGT on July 25, 2025.

The DOJ press release stated, “For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.”

The statement also accused Maduro of undermining democracy in Venezuela, noting his claim to victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election despite offering no evidence of such a win.

The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s president and does not acknowledge the 2024 election results he declared.

Speaking at her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum dismissed the U.S. allegations and said Mexico has no active investigations linking Maduro to cartel operations in the country.

“As we always have said, if they have any proof, then they must show it,” Sheinbaum said.

“We have no proof related to that.”

Sheinbaum has long maintained close political ties with leftist governments in Latin America and is considered a political ally of Maduro.

Her administration has positioned itself as resistant to U.S. pressure on issues involving foreign leaders aligned with socialist movements in the region.

The new $50 million bounty comes amid a broader U.S. campaign against the Cartel de los Soles.

U.S. officials allege the organization is deeply entrenched within Venezuela’s political and military leadership, facilitating large-scale drug shipments to the United States.

The U.S. indictment builds on earlier charges filed in 2020, when prosecutors first accused Maduro of using his position to assist in drug trafficking operations.

The Justice Department claims these activities have continued, with Maduro maintaining influence over cartel operations while consolidating his political power at home.

In addition to defending Maduro, Sheinbaum also criticized the United States over reports that President Donald Trump may be considering authorizing U.S. military force against Mexican drug cartels.

Without citing specific evidence, Sheinbaum claimed the reports were part of an effort to justify an “invasion” of Mexico.

“We cooperate, collaborate, but there will be no invasion,” Sheinbaum said Friday.

“That is off the table, absolutely off the table.”

Sheinbaum’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension between her administration and Washington over security and foreign policy.

While the U.S. has prioritized targeting transnational criminal organizations through sanctions, law enforcement operations, and potential military action, Mexico’s government has repeatedly signaled its opposition to foreign military involvement on its soil.

The U.S. continues to pursue its case against Maduro and the Cartel de los Soles, emphasizing its willingness to offer unprecedented rewards for information leading to arrests in cases involving high-level narcotics and terrorism charges.

Trump’s D.C. Policing Moves Spark MSNBC Contributor’s On-Air Meltdown: ‘Trying to Hold My Temper’
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Trump’s D.C. Policing Moves Spark MSNBC Contributor’s On-Air Meltdown: ‘Trying to Hold My Temper’

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President Donald Trump’s announcement of a sweeping federal response to violent crime in Washington, D.C., drew immediate criticism from MSNBC contributor Eddie Glaude, who claimed he was “trying to hold [his] temper” during a Monday appearance on Chris Jansing Reports.

As The Independent Journal Review reported, Trump outlined a series of measures to address crime in the capital, including declaring a “public safety emergency,” deploying the National Guard, and placing the city’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control.

2020 National Convention WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 27: U.S. President Donald Trump gestures after delivering his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination on the South Lawn.

He also announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi would oversee the federal takeover of the MPD.

Speaking to host Chris Jansing, Glaude alleged that Trump’s actions were politically motivated.

“I think there’s an ongoing argument that he’s having in his head with Black Lives Matter. There’s an ongoing argument that he’s having with the questions around criminal justice reform and police reform,” Glaude said.

“It’s interesting that he really doesn’t really care about what’s actually happening in D.C. on a certain level, because he’s not trying to get at the underlying root causes. He’s not looking at examples of how to address rising crime rates that doesn’t require a form of policing that leads to increased incarceration,” he continued.

Glaude went on to connect Trump’s decision to unrelated matters, claiming it was an effort to shift attention away from the Jeffrey Epstein case.

“When we try to treat this as a rational response, then we lose sight of the actual politics that’s being played here,” he said.

“And he’s actually trying to give his base red meat to get them off of the Epstein story. And it’s on the backs of citizens in Washington, D.C. He’s going to undermine the democratic process in the district!”

The president’s announcement follows a series of violent incidents in the city, despite MPD data showing a 26% drop in violent crime compared to 2024. As of 2025, there have been 99 homicides in the district.

Notable recent crimes include the August 5 attack on former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls,” who was beaten while trying to stop a carjacking.

On June 30, 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was killed in a gang-related shooting near a Metro station after suspects allegedly exited a vehicle and opened fire.

In May, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez was charged with fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Trump’s directive, authorized under the D.C. Home Rule Act, gives the federal government temporary control of MPD operations and allows for the deployment of the National Guard to assist with public safety efforts.

Hillary Clinton Whines After Trump Federalizes DC Police, Deploys National Guard
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Hillary Clinton Whines After Trump Federalizes DC Police, Deploys National Guard

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and place the city’s police department under federal control, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The move comes after a series of violent incidents in the capital, including the assault of Edward Coristine, a Department of Government Efficiency employee, known by the nickname “Big Balls,” who was attacked by a group of assailants.

On Monday, President Trump announced he was invoking Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, granting him the authority to assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department during “special conditions of an emergency nature.”

The president signed two executive actions: one invoking Section 740 powers and another sending the statutorily required notifications to the D.C. mayor and relevant congressional committees.

The provision allows federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department for more than 48 hours, provided committee chairs and the mayor are formally informed.

Trump also signed a presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Defense to deploy National Guard troops to the city and authorizing state governors to utilize their own Guard units in their respective states. “We will bring in the military if it’s needed,” Trump told reporters.

BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY – 19 NOVEMBER 2016: President-elect Donald Trump & Vice President-elect Mike Pence met with potential cabinet members at Trump International

The deployment is part of a larger effort by the administration to address escalating crime and restore public safety in the capital. Trump said the decision was made after reviewing the severity of recent violence and the need for immediate intervention.

Section 740 of the Home Rule Act has rarely been invoked since its creation, and federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department is considered an extraordinary measure. The last similar action was taken decades ago under different circumstances.

Clinton responded to the move by criticizing the president’s decision to use federal authority and military resources in the nation’s capital, aligning her comments with broader objections from Democratic lawmakers and media figures who oppose the action.

Trump defended the decision, citing the emergency powers provided to the presidency under the D.C. Home Rule Act and the responsibility of the federal government to ensure the safety of the capital.

The president also emphasized that the National Guard deployment would focus on preventing further violence, protecting public property, and supporting local law enforcement.

The administration has not provided an exact timeline for how long the federal control of the Metropolitan Police will remain in place, but officials confirmed the deployment would be reviewed regularly to assess conditions on the ground.

Donald Trump Approves Direct Military Action Against International Drug Cartels
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Donald Trump Approves Direct Military Action Against International Drug Cartels

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President Donald Trump has signed a directive authorizing the U.S. military to target select Latin American drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations, escalating his administration’s efforts against fentanyl trafficking and transnational criminal gangs, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The move reframes cartel activity as a national security threat, giving the Pentagon expanded authority to act both domestically and abroad.

The directive follows an executive order issued at the start of Trump’s second term, instructing the State Department to designate cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.

Chicago, Illinois. USA, May 18, 1987 Federal DEA agents display plies of cash and drugs, including kilos of heroin and powder cocaine, along with weapons seized in recent raids across Chicago.

In February, the State Department named eight such groups, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The list has since grown to include two Haitian gangs, Yemen’s Houthis, and Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles.

The Treasury Department also designated the Venezuelan cartel, led by President Nicolás Maduro and senior officials, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. The administration doubled the reward for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million.

Maracaibo-Venezuela-25-07-2024. President Nicolás Maduro is welcomed by a crowd of Venezuelans and militants of the ruling PSUV party, at the closing of the campaign in the city of Maracaibo.

The U.S. has designated six major Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations: the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Northeast Cartel, United Cartels, and the Michoacán Family.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that these designations shift the approach from law enforcement to national security, enabling the U.S. to use military and intelligence resources against the groups.

“We have to start treating them as armed terrorist organizations, not simply drug dealing organizations,” Rubio said.

Rally goers, 45th President Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are seen at the Save America Rally at the Miami Dade County Fair and Expo in Miami on Sunday November 6, 2022. ORG XMIT: 2634540 (Via OlyDrop) Xxx 110722 Mia Trump Rubio 6 Jpg

The order sets the stage for potential direct U.S. military operations, including naval missile strikes on cartel targets and expanded cooperation with Mexican authorities.

More than 10,000 service members are currently deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border, and the Pentagon has established three National Defense Areas in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to strengthen border security.

A door on storm water drain leading to a man-made tunnel under the U.S.-Mexico border can be seen in a drone image taken on Jan. 13, 2025.

The Department of Justice has already applied the new designation in prosecutions.

In June 2025, it unsealed its first indictment under the framework, charging a Mexican national with providing material support to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, including supplying grenades. A similar indictment was issued in May.

The administration has also invoked the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to target cartel-linked financial networks.

On June 25, the Treasury’s FinCEN ordered U.S. banks to cut ties with three Mexico-based financial institutions accused of laundering millions for cartels and facilitating fentanyl production.

President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks at the nation’s main plaza on Oct. 1, 2024 during a ceremony for the beginning of her mandate.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any U.S. military involvement inside Mexico, stating Friday, “The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military… We cooperate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion.”

She confirmed Mexico was notified in advance of the order but insisted it did not involve the deployment of U.S. troops on Mexican soil.

Critics in Washington have raised legal questions about the directive, including whether the president can order lethal action without congressional authorization.

Under the War Powers Resolution, a president can deploy forces abroad for 60 days, with a possible 30-day withdrawal period, without a formal authorization for the use of military force, provided Congress is notified within 48 hours.

Past presidents have used similar authority.

In 2011, President Obama authorized military intervention in Libya without congressional approval, and in 2014, ordered airstrikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq without a new authorization, continuing combat operations for years under existing legal frameworks.

President Trump has stated that his administration will not tolerate the trafficking of fentanyl and the movement of cartel-linked gangs across the southern border, signaling that military force is now an option in dismantling their operations.


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