US President Donald Trump announced on December 16 that he is signing an executive order to formally classify fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, marking a major escalation in the administration’s response to the ongoing drug crisis.
The announcement was shared by the White House rapid response team in a video posted on X. The caption read: “POTUS announces he is signing an Executive Order today to formally classify fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction.”
.@POTUS announces he is signing an Executive Order today to formally classify fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. pic.twitter.com/grshF47tlV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 15, 2025
The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on drug cartels operating in Latin America, according to AFP.
‘Historic Executive Order,’ Trump Says
Speaking in the video, Trump said the decision was aimed at protecting Americans from the deadly effects of fentanyl entering the country.
“Today I’m taking on more steps to protect Americans from the scourge of deadly fentanyl flooding into our country,” Trump said.
He described the order as a major step, adding, “With this historic executive order I will sign today, formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Which is what it is!”
‘No Bomb Does What This Is Doing’
Trump compared the impact of fentanyl to that of conventional weapons, arguing that the drug’s effects are even more devastating.
“No bomb does what this is doing,” he said.
He also highlighted the scale of the crisis, claiming fentanyl is responsible for an enormous number of deaths each year.
“200 to 300 thousand people die every year, that we know of,” Trump stated.
“So we’re formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction,” Trump said during the signing, which took place at a White House event honoring efforts to defend the US-Mexican border, according to AFP.
Focus on Drug Cartels and Border Security
The executive order aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking, particularly targeting international drug cartels and strengthening border enforcement. The administration has repeatedly linked fentanyl trafficking to national security concerns, framing the crisis as both a public health and safety threat.
The White House has not yet released further details on how the new classification will be implemented or what additional measures may follow.
