The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced an aggressive plan of security and drug-trafficking control measures, adding new initiatives to his promise of a tough-on-crime stance as he assumes office on January 20. During a forum organized by the ultraconservative Turning Point in Phoenix, Trump promised to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and unleash the power of the federal security agencies to combat foreign gangs on U.S. soil. Accompanied by a fervent audience, Trump's speech included claims about the violence in Aurora, Colorado, which he attributed to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, despite the fact that such statements have been criticized as apocalyptic exaggerations.
In his remarks, Trump also touched on the issue of relations with Mexico, especially regarding fentanyl trafficking, a substance that has caused approximately 70,000 overdose deaths in 2023. The president-elect described the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, as 'charming,' with whom he discussed threatening tariffs to pressure the neighboring country over drug trafficking. In addition to addressing security and immigration issues, Trump referred to the recent Capitol crisis and highlighted the controversial involvement of Elon Musk in the United States' budget negotiations. In an unexpected turn, he also expressed concerns about the management of the Panama Canal, insinuating a possible Chinese influence. Trump's statements have intensified the debate over the direction of his future administration and the complex international relations arising from his aggressive stance.
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