Support for Trump’s Drug Policy Initiative
A recent poll from Harvard Cap/Harris indicates that more than 70% of Americans back the Trump administration’s decision to target cartel drug boats. Since taking office in January, President Trump has intensified efforts against drug cartels, labeling specific international organizations as foreign terrorist groups. The poll revealed that 71% of those surveyed supported sinking South American vessels believed to be transporting drugs to the U.S.
The Harvard Cap/Harris survey, conducted online from October 1st to October 2nd with 2,413 registered voters, shows strong backing for Trump’s various policies. Notably, 86% of respondents approve of his attempts to reduce prescription drug prices, while 78% support the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Additionally, 75% favor measures to eliminate wasteful government spending.
Interestingly, the policy that garnered the least support was the introduction of work requirements for Medicaid programs, with just 42% approval. Customs duties received 49% support, and deploying National Guards to certain cities was supported by 51% of voters.
In early August, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated Operation Pacific Viper, reportedly intercepting an average of more than 1,600 pounds of cocaine daily in the Eastern Pacific. This operation aims to enhance counter-drug efforts as illegal drug trafficking from South America remains a significant challenge.
By September, the Pentagon had released footage showing U.S. strikes against cartel ships in the Southern Caribbean, with Trump announcing that a vessel linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua drug cartel had been sunk.
Following these announcements, the administration shared additional videos depicting various operations as part of Operation Pacific Viper. However, the crackdown on cartels has led to criticism from some Democrats. For example, Paul Riekhoff, founder of Independent Veterans, described Trump’s actions as “unprecedented” and “dangerous.” Furthermore, Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler expressed concerns, stating that Trump acted as a “judge, jury and executioner” regarding strikes against terrorist groups.
