In a confidential memo to Congress, President Trump has declared the United States is engaged in a formal “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels across North and South America, labeling them as terrorist organizations. The administration cited legal authority under the president’s role as Commander in Chief to protect American interests and national security.

The memo stated that U.S. military actions against suspected cartel-linked vessels and facilities are justified as self-defense against a transnational threat. It emphasized that drug cartels, described as “nonstate armed groups,” pose an existential danger through their violent operations and role in the opioid crisis, which kills thousands of Americans annually.

The administration highlighted recent strikes on Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats and plans to target cartel drug labs inside Venezuela. However, legal experts criticized the move, arguing that designating cartels as terrorists and treating them as lawful combatants under international law stretches legal boundaries. Critics contended that selling drugs does not constitute an “armed attack” and warned of risks to civilian lives.

A White House spokesperson defended the actions, asserting they align with laws governing armed conflict to counter “national security threats.” The memo also cited a statutory requirement to report military hostilities involving U.S. forces, framing the strikes as part of a sustained campaign against organized drug trafficking networks.