DORAL, Fla. —President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation pledging military support to fight drug cartels. Trump signed the proclamation, along with representatives from 17 countries from throughout the Western Hemisphere. The agreement calls for coordinating with regional allies to dismantle drug cartels and curb their influence.
“The United States will train and mobilize partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence and pursue influence through organized intimidation,” the proclamation states.
Speaking before the signing, Trump described the agreement as a commitment to take a more aggressive approach to cartel activity.
“The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries,” Trump said.
Trump also pointed to the capabilities of the U.S. military and said partner nations could help identify cartel operations.
The announcement comes days after Trump ordered U.S. military forces into Ecuador to strike drug cartels.
Several regional leaders attended the new Counter Cartel Conference, including Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Argentine President Javier Milei, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast. Leaders or representatives from Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago were also present.
The proclamation also emphasizes the need to cut off the financial networks that support cartel operations.
The event also marked the first public appearance of Kristi Noem in her new role as special envoy for the initiative announced at the summit. Noem, the former secretary of Homeland Security, attended the ceremony but did not speak. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the gathering.
“America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone, if necessary. However, it is our preference — and it is the goal of this conference — that in the interests of this [hemisphere], we all do it together; with you, with our neighbors and with our allies who are eager and willing and capable to do this,” Hegseth said.
