The Defence Secretary, speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, staunchly defended recent military strikes targeting suspected drug cartel vessels. He asserted the President possesses the full authority to employ military force “as he sees fit” in the defense of the nation, framing the actions as a necessary measure to protect American citizens.
Dismissing mounting criticism and concerns over potential violations of international law, the Defence Secretary drew a stark parallel to the post-9/11 “war on terror.” He delivered a chilling warning: those involved in bringing drugs into the country via sea would face swift and decisive action, with no quarter given.
The campaign of strikes has already resulted in at least 87 fatalities, sparking intense scrutiny from lawmakers demanding a full accounting of the attacks and their legal basis. Questions linger regarding a potential follow-up strike ordered even after the Pentagon became aware of survivors.
While the Defence Secretary equated the alleged smugglers with Al-Qaida terrorists, analysts point to fundamental differences between the two threats and the strategies required to counter them. The comparison has fueled debate about the scope and justification of the current operations.
The speech coincided with the release of a new national security strategy that prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and casts a critical eye on European allies. This strategy signals a clear shift in foreign policy priorities under the current administration.
Beyond the issue of drug cartels, the Defence Secretary addressed the growing influence of China, advocating for a position of strength rather than confrontation. He reiterated the President’s controversial pledge to resume nuclear testing, mirroring the actions of China and Russia, a move that has raised concerns among arms control experts.
The Defence Secretary positioned the President as the true successor to Ronald Reagan’s assertive foreign policy legacy, contrasting his approach with what he characterized as ineffective interventions and nation-building efforts pursued by Republican leaders in recent decades.
He sharply criticized those who view climate change as a significant threat to military readiness, declaring the Defence Department would remain focused on core security objectives. The department, he stated, would not be diverted by “democracy building,” “interventionism,” or “woke moralizing.”
The forum at the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute brought together leading national security figures, providing a platform for the Defence Secretary to articulate the administration’s vision for a more assertive and unilateral American foreign policy.
