Support for Trump’s Actions Against Drug Cartels
A recent poll conducted by Harvard University CAPS/Harris shows that over 70% of Americans favor the Trump administration’s choice to destroy drug smuggling vessels linked to cartels. Since January, President Donald Trump has spearheaded a significant crackdown on these criminal organizations, designating some of them as foreign terrorist entities. In this poll, 71% of respondents expressed support for the demolition of a South American ship carrying drugs aimed at the U.S.
The online survey was conducted among 2,413 registered voters from October 1 to October 2. Aside from the strong backing for targeting cartel vessels, approximately 18 out of Trump’s 20 policies reportedly maintain majority approval. Interestingly, 86% of those polled support Trump’s initiatives to reduce prescription drug costs. Other policies, such as the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes, received 78% support, while 75% favored cutting unnecessary government spending.
On the flip side, the initiative to impose work requirements for Medicaid ranked as the least popular, garnering only 42% approval. In terms of tariffs, a 49% rate was suggested, and 51% of participants agreed to the deployment of the National Guard in urban areas.
Earlier in August, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated Operation Pacific Viper, successfully intercepting over 1,600 pounds of cocaine daily in the Eastern Pacific. This ongoing mission aims to enhance drug prevention measures, focusing on the significant flow of illegal substances from South America.
By September, the Department of Defense released footage of a U.S. operation that involved shooting down a drug-laden cartels’ ship in the southern Caribbean. President Trump highlighted the sinking of a vessel belonging to the Venezuelan drug cartel Tren de Aragua, resulting in the deaths of 11 cartel members aboard.
Since Trump’s aggressive actions against cartels commenced, some Democrats have criticized the efforts, with Paul Leakoff from the American Independence Veterans Association labeling them as “concerning” and an inappropriate use of military power. Additionally, Congressman Jerry Nadler has expressed that Trump is acting as “judge, jury, and executioner” against these groups and has mentioned facing legal charges.
