U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to carry out ground operations against drug cartels, mentioning Mexico in this context.
According to Trump in an interview with Fox News, the United States has already prevented 97% of maritime drug smuggling and now intends to focus on combating drug cartels on land. "The cartels effectively control Mexico," he noted. "It's terrible to see this country suffering, as the cartels have power and cause the deaths of 250,000 to 300,000 people each year."
Earlier in August, it became known that Trump instructed the Pentagon to develop plans for possible military operations against drug cartels, which have been designated as terrorist groups. In turn, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly stated her unwillingness to allow U.S. military actions on Mexican territory.
However, Trump seems unwilling to stop there and is ready to continue his stance regarding Greenland and Canada.
He also stated that he does not feel the need to rely on international law and prefers to act according to his own "morality." The president did not rule out the possibility of choosing between control over Greenland and maintaining NATO.
In an interview with The New York Times published on January 8, Trump noted that his authority is limited only by his "own morality," not by international norms. "The only thing that can stop me is my own mind. I don't need international law. I'm not looking to harm others," he stated.
When asked whether his administration should adhere to international norms, Trump answered affirmatively, adding that he would decide when and how these restrictions would apply to the U.S. "It depends on how you define international law," he noted.
Although Trump did not give a definitive answer to the question of what is more important to him—control over Greenland or NATO—he acknowledged that "there may be a choice."
The president made it clear that an alliance without the participation of the United States loses its significance. "I'm sure we will always find common ground with Europe, but they need to understand that they need to invest more in NATO," Trump added.
Trump rejected the Venezuela scenario for Taiwan
In a conversation with journalists, he also refuted the claim that a military operation in Caracas to overthrow Nicolás Maduro could serve as an example for China in its claims over Taiwan.
"It all depends on him (Chinese President Xi Jinping. — Ed.). I told him that I would be extremely unhappy if he took such measures. And I don't think he will dare to do it. I hope he doesn't," Trump emphasized.
