Yes, Drug Cartels Are A National Security Threat

PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF (PDB) – New militarized war on drugs — time to view cartels as national security threats? In recent months, the Trump administration has sharply escalated its campaign against drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and other transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).

This includes designating multiple cartels and street gangs as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs); ramping up intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Mexico and Venezuela; ordering the Pentagon to draw up military plans against drug traffickers; directing a buildup of military assets in the Caribbean; authorizing the CIA to conduct covert action; and destroying multiple alleged drug trafficking vessels on the high seas. (RELATED: US Military Expands Vessel Strikes, Targets Boat In Pacific)

This represents a paradigm shift in how the U.S. perceives and responds to drug trafficking and underscores the administration’s resolve to “ensure the total elimination of these organizations.” 

The illicit drug threat has changed. Our response should too. Are illicit drugs tantamount to weapons of mass destruction? Are DTOs and TCOs actually terrorists by another name? Is treating the war on drugs like the war on terror a necessary shift that is long overdue?

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of today’s other top defense news from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.

Not the President’s Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEFING – the PDB:    

HOMELAND SECURITY

Trump’s National Guard deployments reignite 200-year-old legal debate. The conflict throws into relief a question as old as the Constitution itself: Where does federal power end and state authority begin?

DEFENSE POLITICS

President Trump taps Hegseth’s top military aide for Army vice chief of staff.

Looking to deter Russia, bipartisan bill seeks to prioritize defense cooperation on NATO’s eastern flank amid reports of Russian drones and jets reportedly violating countries’ airspace.

Shield AI’s unmanned fighter jet concept pitched as a drone wingman or solo aircraft. Company hopes its new autonomous fighter can reach an initial flight test by next year. (RELATED: Anthropic’s Shadow Campaign, Its Blue State Playbook Threatens Trump’s AI Agenda)

Lockheed says it’s self-funding prototypes. Could a ‘Ferrari’ F-35 be one? It is taking a “home run” approach to self-funded research and development by going ahead and building full prototypes to show to the U.S. government.

WWII origins of the (now demolished) East Wing of the White House.  Trump acknowledged his project to demolish the White House East Wing to add a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom for large state events.

US POWER OVERSEAS

Air Force conducted what it called a “bomber attack demonstration mission” near Venezuela in the Southern Command area of responsibility last week.

‘Night Stalkers’ seen in Caribbean as fears of regime change rise in Venezuela. The elite special ops helicopter unit’s part in military deployment comes as Trump ramps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy begin the multilateral exercise Annual Exercise 2025 in the Philippine Sea.

In a wargame to test crisis plans, Army’s Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), used AI to enhance the approach.

CHINA THREAT

If America goes to war with China, rocketry may be the Army’s most important contribution. A conflict across the vast Pacific would be waged primarily by air and sea forces, backed by small contingents of ground troops. Should they be used to destroy China’s ports.

China announces military purge ahead of fourth plenum. It’s the first of many possible personnel changes during this week’s party meeting.

Taiwan should build a space-enabled kill web, not big warships. As part of a broader modernization effort, U.S. defense assistance should focus on freeing Taiwan’s senior military leadership from outdated paradigms by embedding multi-domain operations, joint training and campaign-level wargaming.

Taiwan is not for sale. When Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the coming weeks and months, the immediate focus will be on how to de-escalate the latest round of export restrictions and tariff threats that the U.S. and China have wielded against each other. (RELATED: What The First 48 Hours Of A US-China War Would Look Like)

Australia lodged a complaint after a Chinese military aircraft released flares near an Australian surveillance plane over the South China Sea.

RUSSIA THREAT

True. Volodymyr Zelensky says Trump’s decision to refrain from sending long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine deflated Russia’s interest in engaging in diplomacy that could lead to the potential end of the war.

Ukraine’s state security service has unveiled an upgraded sea drone it says can now operate anywhere in the Black Sea, carry heavier weapons and use AI for targeting.

Gripen E multirole fighter has now been delivered to the Swedish Air Force, as the service continues to strengthen itself to face off against Russian aggression.

MIDDLE EAST THREATS

During Israel visit, VP JD Vance expresses ‘great optimism’ Gaza truce will hold.

NORTH KOREA THREAT

South Korean support for reunification with the North falls to a record low, confidence in the U.S. alliance is slipping as well, reflecting growing public uncertainty over both inter-Korean ties and the country’s security footing.

South Korea has an early-stage requirement for six additional maritime patrol aircraft, which could see the Boeing P-8A competing with conceptual types from Embraer and Korea Aerospace Industries.

SPACE THREATS

Startup satellite manufacturer Apex is planning a high-stakes demonstration of space-based missile interceptor technology in orbit.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Germany’s request for defensive and inspector satellites. German Aerospace Center is looking to purchase satellites capable of jamming other spacecraft and inspecting objects in space, and it wants to do so on tight deadlines.

Singapore launches its biggest and most capable warship ever. Planned as hybrid frigates and drone motherships, the Multi-Role Combat Vessels will be able to project naval power further, and for longer, than previous Singaporean warships.

Risk of new Ethiopian Eritrean war is growing. Changing dynamics in Tigray could erode the current balance of uncertainty.

Norway continues to analyze options for a future anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to equip its new UK-built Type 26 frigates as the Nordic nation wrestles with multiple rotorcraft procurement programs.

US MILITARY

Majority of ground combat vehicles used by the Army and Marines are not ready to take part in missions due to a lack of maintenance and shortages of spare parts.

Northrop Grumman expects to receive new Air Force contracts for its B-21 Raider stealth bomber program to speed production.

Army units have begun receiving updated navigational hardware known as the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS) GEN II.

Details remain scant on looming Army combat readiness exercise across Hawaii. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center combat training held each fall in Hawaii is a premier event for the 25th Infantry Division. (RELATED: Hegseth’s Plan To Build Hardened Warriors)

Army wants drones that understand ‘commander’s intent’ as part of a draft UAS strategy that calls for a new career field, new advanced training, and soldier-built drones.

END of PDB

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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