Former President Donald Trump made history by signing more executive orders on his first day in office than any other president. One of the most important orders was labeling international drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This move allows the U.S. to take stronger financial action against Mexican drug cartels, their partners, and Chinese groups that help launder their money.
For families affected by fentanyl, this decision offers hope. Fentanyl has already claimed nearly 500,000 American lives and continues to cost the U.S. billions. In New York City alone, over 80% of drug overdoses involve fentanyl. Many victims are young adults or children who unknowingly take fake prescription pills laced with the deadly drug.
In Michigan, Caleb Kiessling (20), Kyler Kiessling (18), and their friend Sophia Harris (17) lost their lives after taking what they thought was Percocet. Similarly, 2-year-old Ezekiel Rivera died in California after his father used fentanyl-laced drugs.
Recognizing the fentanyl crisis as a national security issue, Trump’s order also focuses on stopping cartel money laundering. Criminal organizations rely on banks, lawyers, and accountants to move their funds. In 2023, TD Bank had to pay $3 billion in fines after admitting it failed to stop Chinese money laundering linked to fentanyl sales.
With the terrorist designation, these enablers can now face severe charges and civil lawsuits from families of overdose victims. This also targets China, which provides the chemicals cartels use to make fentanyl. Under Trump’s order, supporting these activities could be considered aiding a terrorist group.
Stopping fentanyl trafficking requires identifying both the cartels and their financial backers. Many cartels hide behind anonymous shell companies, making it hard to trace their money. The Trump administration previously passed the Corporate Transparency Act to prevent this, but lobbying efforts now threaten to weaken it.
To win this fight, law enforcement agencies need proper funding, modern tools, and AI technology to track cartel money. Congress must also support hiring more financial crime experts.
The U.S. must work with Canada and Mexico to disrupt the cartels’ operations. Trump’s order also allows families to sue cartels and their enablers under terrorism laws, giving victims a path to justice.
While Trump’s executive order is a major step, its success depends on strong enforcement and funding. If the U.S. acts decisively, it could finally weaken the cartels’ grip and save countless lives.
