President Trump has signaled a bold new phase in the fight against drug trafficking with a focus on land-based operations targeting Venezuelan networks. His latest comments on Thanksgiving point to an urgent push to curb the flow of deadly substances into American communities.
During a call with US service members on Thursday, Trump announced that the US will "very soon" begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers "by land," marking a strategic pivot from the ongoing seaborne military efforts, the New York Post reported.
Trump highlighted the success of naval operations, noting an 85% reduction in sea trafficking. He stressed the devastating toll of these drugs, which "kill hundreds of thousands of people a year" in the US.
Shifting Tactics to Land Operations
"You probably noticed that now people aren’t wanting to be delivering by sea, and we’ll be starting to stop them by land also," Trump said during the Thanksgiving call. Let’s be clear: if traffickers think they can just switch routes and sneak through, they’re underestimating the resolve to protect American lives.
The president acknowledged that land operations might present fewer challenges than sea interdictions. He assured service members that this next step will roll out swiftly to choke off these deadly supply lines.
This shift comes after a series of aggressive strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats since September. At least 21 fatal strikes have already disrupted maritime smuggling off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast.
Congress in the Loop for Broader Action
Back in late October, Trump laid out plans to brief Congress on targeting cartel strongholds in Venezuela. He told reporters at a White House event, "I don’t see any loss in going — no reason not to," signaling a willingness to build broader support.
That same event showcased a federal crackdown netting around 3,200 alleged cartel members in the past month. Such numbers reveal the scale of the problem and the administration’s commitment to dismantling these networks piece by piece.
Trump’s approach blends transparency with action, even as he anticipates pushback from certain quarters. His quip about "radical left lunatics" likely objecting to the plan shows he’s ready to confront ideological critics while prioritizing national security.
From Sea to Soil: A Relentless Campaign
The administration’s campaign began with a fierce focus on sea routes, hammering traffickers where they were most vulnerable. Trump’s assertion that "there aren’t too many coming in by sea anymore" reflects a tactical victory that’s forced criminals to adapt.
Now, with land operations on the horizon, the pressure will only intensify. This isn’t about chasing headlines; it’s about saving lives from the poison flooding our streets.
Trump’s directness with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, telling him, "I’d like to just tell you, ‘Let’s go,’" underscores a no-nonsense attitude. Hesitation isn’t in the playbook when the stakes are this high.
Protecting America with Unyielding Resolve
As this strategy unfolds, American families can take some comfort in knowing the fight against drug trafficking isn’t slowing down. Trump’s pivot to land-based interdictions aims to seal off escape routes for those peddling destruction.
The toll of addiction and loss demands nothing less than total commitment. While some may balk at military action, the reality of hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly justifies a hard line against these networks.
Ultimately, this is about safeguarding the heart of our nation from external threats. Trump’s promise to act "very soon" sends a clear message: those who profit from misery will find no safe haven, whether by sea or by land.
