Social media users criticized the Washington Post for a peculiar assertion that the reasons behind the drop in fentanyl attacks at the US-Mexico border are “complicated.”
The article seemed to twist the explanation of this decline, possibly to sidestep acknowledging a significant drop in illegal crossings. Former President Donald Trump pointed to the fentanyl issue as a key reason for his border closure policies.
“Closing the borders means drugs come in more slowly! What a ridiculous article!”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the piece during a press conference on Tuesday. She questioned the existence of any real mystery regarding fentanyl’s presence in the U.S. “The decline in fentanyl trafficking is due to the administration’s strong border policies,” she asserted.
Leavitt further stated that Trump’s communication with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has bolstered relations between the two nations, helping to mitigate the border crisis and curb drug smuggling.
“This is evidently a deliberate effort to sway public perception,” Levitt claimed. “We addressed this investigation thoroughly, providing numerous reasons for the drop in fentanyl incidents, yet the Washington Post chose to ignore them. That’s just unfair.”
She urged the Post to revise their articles to better represent Trump’s efforts to tackle the fentanyl epidemic.
Other users echoed the criticism of the Post’s narrative.
“The Washington Post is doing whatever it takes to deny President Trump the credit he deserves. Under his leadership, fentanyl trafficking along the southern border dropped by 54%. Trump’s border policy is effective!” stated Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.).
“The Washington Post reports a ‘mystical drop’ in fentanyl attacks at the southern border. Well, the mystery has been solved! The Trump effect is real,” commented Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Wisconsin.
“The Washington Post can’t grasp why fentanyl seizures are decreasing, just like Biden can’t accept that he’s aging… They want to control what you consider the truth,” another user remarked.
“Simply take action to slow drugs! Close the border!” was another pointed statement from a detractor.
“There’s nothing ‘mystical’ about the decrease in fentanyl attacks at the southern border. Stronger border security results in safer countries. The figures prove what the Post refuses to acknowledge. This is what happens when you prioritize Americans over cartels,” noted Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas).
“It’s a real enigma. So baffling, almost mysterious. What could have changed recently to create such a significant drop in fentanyl incidents along the southern border?” joked a user affiliated with the Heritage Foundation. “A determined Post journalist is struggling!”
Besides the reduction in fentanyl incidents, U.S. drug overdose deaths are also sharply declining. The anticipated total for 2023 stands at approximately 110,037, with a 27% decline, or about 80,391 deaths, projected for 2024.
