Tariffs on Mexico: A Battle Against the Cartels
The tariffs imposed on Mexico by President Donald Trump are fundamentally different from those placed on Canada. While the tariffs on Canada are intended to push the country away from its far-left policies and toward a more nationalist, self-sufficient stance, the reasoning behind tariffs on Mexico is entirely separate. The primary motivation for tariffs on Mexico is the increasing power and control of the country's government and economy by drug cartels.
The Drug Cartels: A Threat to National Security
Mexico's cartels have grown so powerful that they effectively control vast portions of the country, including government officials, law enforcement, and major industries. The Mexican government, rather than being a sovereign authority, has become a mouthpiece for cartel interests. The President of Mexico, along with many other high-ranking officials, is owned by the cartels and serves their interests rather than those of the Mexican people. The level of corruption is so deep that it is no longer a matter of simply addressing crime—it is a national security threat that extends into the United States.
Trump’s Response: Military Action and Economic Pressure
In response, President Trump has taken a hardline stance, closing down sections of the U.S.-Mexico border and deploying the military to stem the tide of drugs, human trafficking, and illicit money flows. Tariffs on Mexican imports serve as an additional measure to pressure the Mexican government into taking action against the cartels—or, at the very least, making it clear that the United States will not tolerate the continued spread of cartel influence across the border.
The Necessity of U.S. Military Intervention
The Mexican cartels have reached a level of organization and firepower that rivals some national militaries. The only entity capable of effectively dismantling them is the U.S. military. While local and federal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. fight cartel-related crime, the scale of the problem demands a larger and more forceful intervention. Trump’s administration is making it clear that no option is off the table when it comes to confronting the cartels head-on.
Anticipated Blowback: Violence on U.S. Soil
However, this fight will not be without consequences. Due to the previous administration's negligence, the cartels have already established extensive networks within the U.S., ensuring that any significant crackdown will result in violent retaliation. As the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies take the battle to the cartels, American citizens may experience an uptick in cartel-driven violence.
The Root of the Problem: Domestic Demand for Drugs
While aggressive tactics can weaken the cartels, they are ultimately fueled by the demand for drugs within the United States. As long as Americans continue to seek out illicit narcotics, cartels will find a way to operate. While the complete eradication of cartels may not be feasible, aggressive action can significantly diminish their power. The United States may never fully eliminate the cartel problem, but by mowing the lawn—continuously cutting down their influence and operations—we can keep them in check and protect national security.
The tariffs on Mexico are not about shifting political ideology, as they are with Canada. They are a strategic move in an ongoing battle to bring the cartels to heel, secure the U.S. border, and protect American lives from the devastating consequences of cartel-driven crime. Through military intervention, economic pressure, and a sustained fight against cartel influence, the U.S. is making it clear that it will not tolerate a lawless, cartel-controlled Mexico.