Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R) and Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) introduced a bill that would authorize military use against cartels. This, along with criticism about the cartels, angered Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), which incited a rivalry with Rep. Crenshaw. As Crenshaw and Waltz urge support for the bill, President Donald Trump (R) has now shared his support for using the military against drug cartels.
During an interview with Breitbart News, President Trump was asked if he would give authorization for military use against drug cartels, and Trump answered "I would do that."
Earlier this year, Trump had released a video supporting the measure, but this is the first time that Trump has specifically noted the legislation.
"In addition to being irresponsible, it is an offense to the people of Mexico," AMLO said in March in response to the legislation, adding that he would even interfere in U.S. elections to help Democrats win.
"This is an invasion of our country - this isn't just people walking over," Trump told Breitbart News.
In response to President Trump's support for the bill, Crenshaw took to social media to thank Trump for "calling attention to my bill to authorize the use of military force against Mexican drug cartels."
Crenshaw commented that "the Trump Administration had the strongest border security policies we've ever seen - and they worked," adding that Trump "understands the dire threat from the Mexican drug cartels that have operational control of our souther border."
Crenshaw shared that "An AUMF is the most effective way to solve the deadly fentanyl crisis plaguing our nation because it sends a clear message to the cartels: eliminate fentanyl or we are coming for you," calling on people to call on their representatives and urge them to support the bill if they "recognize the cartels as the national security threat they are."
