Trump: “Historic step against Fentanyl”

US President Signs HALT Fentanyl Act

On Wednesday (16 July), US President Donald Trump stated at a White House event that China may soon begin imposing the death penalty on those involved in the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl. Speaking as he signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, Trump noted that a 20% tariff had been imposed on Chinese imports “as a penalty” due to the country’s role in supplying the deadly drug.

“I believe we’re going to work it out so that China ends up giving the death penalty to the people who create this fentanyl and send it into our country,” Trump said.

Families who had lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses attended the event. Trump described the legislation as a “righteous blow” against drug dealers, cartels, and criminal networks.

“Today, we take a historic step towards justice for every family affected by the fentanyl scourge,” he said.

Trump also addressed the Mexican drug cartels, warning that they “have a tremendous grip on Mexico” and that the US must take action: “Mexican authorities are petrified; they’re afraid to go to work because the cartels have enormous influence over politicians and the people.”

Touching on relations with China, Trump said he has a good relationship with President Xi Jinping but insisted that firm measures were necessary due to fentanyl: “This isn’t just a tariff, it’s a penalty. China delivers much of the fentanyl—some would say all of it—into Mexico and directly into our country.”

Anne Funder, a mother who lost her child to fentanyl, thanked Trump at the event, calling the legislation “a lifeline for families across America”.

“We want to keep America safe and protect our children. This is the promise you made, Mr President. God bless you and all the Angel Families here today,” she said.

In closing, Trump urged lawmakers: “This may be the most important job you have in government. I wish you the best of luck, and we’ll be there to support you all the way.”

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