Trump’s tidal surge: Keeping the cartel strikes in historical perspective

Published November 7, 2025 5:01am ET



The Caribbean sun hung low over the turquoise swells, a deceptive calm masking the venom slithering beneath. In September, a U.S. military strike targeted a Venezuelan speedboat, laden with illegal drugs bound for American shores, in international waters south of the region. The vessel, allegedly tied to the Tren de Aragua gang, erupted in flames, killing all 11 aboard. President Donald Trump shared the details on Truth Social that evening: “Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!!” Yes, you counted right — that’s 11 exclamation marks! The president really wanted to make sure that possible drug-smugglers were paying attention to this matter.

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