Trump says he is willing to conduct strikes in Mexico to thwart drug smuggling operations

President Donald Trump on Monday said he would be willing to conduct missile strikes inside of Mexico as part of his administration's efforts to curb illicit drug smuggling operations into the United States.

The Trump administration has largely been attacking alleged drug boats from Venezuela in its fight against drug cartels. The administration has conducted over 20 strikes against the boats, which have killed over 80 alleged "narco-terrorists." 

Trump said he would do whatever is necessary to stop the illegal flow of drugs like fentanyl into the country. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from overdosing on fentanyl in recent years, including nearly 100,000 last year alone.

“Would I launch strikes into Mexico to stop drugs? It's okay with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs,” the president told reporters. 

Trump said there are some "big problems" in Mexico City, but declined to state whether he would specifically ask Mexico's government before launching a strike on Mexican drug cartels.

The comment comes after NBC News reported earlier this month that the administration is considering sending American intelligence officers and troops into Mexico to combat the drug cartels. But a final decision on such an operation has not been made and the Trump administration has not publicly indicated whether a ground operation is even being planned. 

Trump also indicated that he would be open to striking cocaine factories in Colombia because it would save millions of Americans.

“Colombia has cocaine factories where they make cocaine. Would I knock out those factories?" Trump said. “I didn’t say I’m doing it, but I’d be proud to do it. Because we’re going to save millions of lives by doing it."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.