US President Donald Trump suggested that the United States could take a more aggressive approach toward Mexican drug cartels during a phone interview on Fox & Friends Weekend, referencing what he described as a recent US special forces operation in Venezuela.
Speaking on the programme, Trump praised a reported Delta Force mission—referred to by him as Operation Absolute Resolve—which he said resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. US officials have not publicly confirmed details of the operation.
Trump’s comments on Mexico and cartels
During the interview, Trump said the reported Venezuela operation sent a broader message to criminal groups across the region. He argued that drug cartels exert significant control in parts of Mexico and criticized the Mexican government’s stance on US military involvement.
Trump referenced conversations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, saying she had rejected US offers to assist directly in confronting cartels. “She’s a good woman, but the cartels are running Mexico,” Trump said during the broadcast.
He also linked cartel activity to fentanyl deaths in the United States, citing figures significantly higher than official government estimates.
“At my direction, the U.S. Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela…This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” – PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/QibvrRKsSv
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
Reported Venezuela operation and official responses
Trump claimed the reported operation involved a precision raid in Caracas and resulted in no US casualties. He said the mission concluded successfully despite minor aircraft damage. US Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to Trump, confirmed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima for transport to the United States in connection with long-standing narcoterrorism charges.
Venezuela’s government sharply rejected the claims. The country’s foreign ministry released a statement condemning what it described as “unilateral military actions,” calling them violations of the United Nations Charter.
Western Hemisphere focus in Trump security policy
Trump’s remarks align with his 2025 National Security Strategy, which places the Western Hemisphere at the center of US security priorities. The strategy emphasizes drug trafficking, migration, and foreign influence as key threats and outlines what Trump has described as a renewed US leadership role in the region.
Administration officials have linked foreign aid and trade policy to cooperation on border security and migration enforcement. Trump has previously floated using tariffs, travel bans, and terror designations as leverage against non-compliant governments.
Tensions over sovereignty and cooperation
While US and Mexican authorities have historically cooperated on intelligence sharing, extraditions, and joint anti-cartel efforts, Mexican leaders have consistently rejected the presence of US troops on their soil. Analysts warn that unilateral action could strain diplomatic agreements and provoke domestic backlash in Mexico.
Experts note that cooperation has traditionally been most effective when operations are led by Mexican forces with US intelligence support, rather than direct US military involvement.
