U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to combat Mexican cartels and end the fentanyl crisis has been undermined by his own freeze on foreign aid, which has halted U.S.-funded anti-narcotics programs in Mexico, sources told Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid has halted U.S.-funded anti-narcotics programs in Mexico, despite his pledge to crack down on cartels and the fentanyl crisis, sources told Reuters.
The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) has paused all operations, affecting training for Mexican authorities, fentanyl lab dismantling, and precursor chemical seizures. INL-funded drug-detecting canines, which helped seize millions of fentanyl pills in 2023, are also impacted.
Trump’s January 20 aid freeze stopped billions in U.S. assistance, pending a review under his “America First” policy. Though humanitarian aid waivers were issued, Mexico’s anti-drug programs remain unfunded.
Meanwhile, Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on Mexico and ordered cartel designations as terrorist groups, raising concerns that the administration is shifting from cooperation to unilateral action. The White House has not clarified if exemptions will be granted for these programs.
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