Bringing The World Home To You

© 2025 WUNC North Carolina Public Radio
120 Friday Center Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
919.445.9150 | 800.962.9862

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Already a Sustainer? Click here to increase now →

Trump's approach to cartels mirrors the global war on terror, officials say

By Ryan Lucas

Published September 30, 2025 at 5:43 PM EDT

The administration's approach to drug cartels relies — at least in part — on a blueprint for military strikes that mirror those waged during the war on terrorism after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Ryan Lucas

Ryan Lucas covers the Justice Department for NPR.

See stories by Ryan Lucas

Stories From This Author

With 'drug boat' strikes, Trump leans into war on terror tactic against cartels

Ryan Lucas

The administration's approach to drug cartels relies — at least in part — on a blueprint for military strikes that mirror those waged during the global war on terrorism after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
A look at former FBI Director James Comey's indictment

Ryan Lucas

We examine the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey after President Trump called for several of his political enemies -- including Comey -- to be prosecuted.
President Trump pressures attorney general to investigate his political rivals

Ryan Lucas

In a social media post Saturday, President Trump pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate his political rivals, fueling concerns about the administration weaponizing the Justice Department.