Trump Signals Possible U.S. Military Strike in Mexico Amid Intensifying Drug War Debate

Two weeks after U.S. broadcaster NBC reported that the United States was preparing for a potential strike in Mexico—including preliminary planning inside the White House—former President Donald Trump has effectively confirmed the claim.

According to Reuters and NBC, Trump has already reviewed a draft plan for a potential operation. He wants Mexico included in what he describes as the broader U.S.-led “war on drugs” in Latin America. His comments have triggered strong criticism in both countries.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump posed a question: “Can I launch an attack on Mexico to stop the drugs?” He immediately answered himself: “I think I can. I have spoken with Mexico. They know what I want.”

He added, “We are losing thousands of lives to drugs. We have shut down the water routes, but we know every route.” Just a week earlier, Trump also said the U.S. has detailed intelligence: “We know every drug route. We know every drug lord’s address. We know even the front doors of their homes. We know everything about everyone.”

While it now appears almost certain that the U.S. is considering some kind of strike, the timing and method remain unclear. Trump did not disclose operational details. However, NBC reported that any operation would likely involve drone attacks targeting drug labs and cartel members inside Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly opposed the idea, making it clear she would “firmly reject” any such attack on Mexican soil.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Jeff Garmany, Associate Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Melbourne, said Mexico’s objection may not prevent U.S. action, but legal and diplomatic obstacles could arise for Washington.

Garmany added that an attack inside Mexico may not produce meaningful results because Mexican drug cartels are extremely powerful and the Mexican government has already been embroiled in a 20-year-long, bloody conflict under its own declared “war on drugs.”