Trump Calls for Military Action Against Cartels, Eyes Regional Shift

At the “Shield of the Americas” summit held at Trump National Doral Miami on Saturday, March 7, 2026, former President Donald Trump urged Latin American leaders to deploy their militaries against drug trafficking cartels and transnational gangs, deeming them an “unacceptable threat” to hemispheric security. The gathering occurred amidst escalating tensions following a U.S. Military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, two months prior.

Military Intervention as a Solution

“The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries,” Trump stated, drawing parallels to the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group in the Middle East. “We have to use our military. You have to use your military.” He proposed a similar strategy to “eradicate the cartels at home.” CNBC reported on these remarks.

Attendees and Absences

Leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago attended the summit. Notably absent were Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, traditionally key partners in U.S. Anti-narcotics efforts. Trump criticized Mexico as the “epicenter of cartel violence,” alleging that drug kingpins were responsible for much of the regional instability. Politico detailed these absences and criticisms.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The summit took place against a backdrop of heightened global tensions, including a recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, resulting in casualties and market volatility. Trump was scheduled to travel to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to honor six U.S. Troops killed in a drone strike in Kuwait following the campaign. He also indicated a potential shift in U.S. Policy toward Cuba, suggesting a deal with Havana after resolving the conflict with Iran.

Countering Chinese Influence

Trump also emphasized the need to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere, invoking a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. This strategy aims to challenge Chinese infrastructure projects and investment in the region’s resource industries. Recent actions include pressuring Panama to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and reviewing port contracts held by a Hong Kong-based company. Politico highlighted this aspect of Trump’s foreign policy.

Joint Operations and Modern Roles

Ecuador and the United States recently conducted joint military operations against organized crime groups in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a working lunch for the leaders following Trump’s departure, where Kristi Noem, recently removed as homeland security secretary, debuted in her new role as a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas.”

Terrorist Designations

The Trump administration has previously taken steps to address the threat posed by cartels, including designating eight organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). U.S. Department of State