US Urges Latin America Anti-Cartel Military Action

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, representing the Donald Trump administration, urged Latin American countries to adopt a more aggressive military approach against drug cartels at the 'Americas Counter Cartel Conference' in Miami. The United States warned it would act alone if governments failed to combat criminal organizations effectively. This policy, dubbed the 'Trump Corollary' or 'Donroe Doctrine,' emphasizes military action over traditional law enforcement, designating cartels from Mexico and Venezuela as foreign terrorist organizations. The United States has already conducted numerous boat strikes and a military operation that captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. While supported by conservative leaders like Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and Ecuador, critics like Rebecca Bill Chavez of the Inter-American Dialogue warn of risks to rule-of-law institutions.