Trump team resurfaces plans to designate Mexican cartels as terror organizations | CNN Politics

President-elect Donald Trump is considering designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, a move that was previously considered during his first term but shelved. The discussion has resurfaced amid ongoing concerns about the influence of cartels in drug trafficking and human smuggling into the United States. The designation could lead to military actions against cartels and stricter financial penalties, but it risks straining US-Mexico relations. Trump's team is still deciding which cartels might be targeted and when the designation could be enacted if he assumes office again. Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, support the move as a way to increase pressure on Mexico for cooperation in combating cartels. Critics, however, argue that existing tools are sufficient for tackling transnational criminal organizations without the need for a terror designation.
The implications of designating cartels as terrorist organizations are significant, potentially allowing the US to deploy military force in Mexico and imposing severe legal penalties on those involved with these groups. Former Attorney General William Barr has expressed support for such measures, citing the rise in drug-related deaths in the US. However, the plan could complicate diplomatic relations, as past actions have led to tensions with Mexico, particularly following the 2020 arrest of a former Mexican defense secretary by US authorities. The Biden administration has focused on repairing these ties, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation in tackling cartel-related issues.
RATING
The article provides a detailed account of the discussions surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's plan to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. It lays out the historical context, current considerations, and potential implications of such a move. While it offers insight into various perspectives, especially from political figures and experts, the article could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of Mexican perspectives and further verification of some claims. The sources are credible, but more variety would strengthen the piece. Structurally, the article is clear and well-organized, though some sections could be more concise.
RATING DETAILS
The article accurately reports on President-elect Donald Trump's discussions about designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. It references historical events, such as Trump's previous considerations in 2019, and includes specific quotes from political figures like Tony Gonzales. However, some claims, such as the potential for military action in Mexico, would benefit from more detailed sourcing or evidence. The article also doesn't provide enough specific data on the cartels' financial operations, relying instead on general statements. While it mentions the Biden administration's initiatives, more precise statistics or results from those efforts would enhance factual accuracy.
The article primarily presents perspectives from US political figures and experts, particularly those aligned with Trump's viewpoints. It mentions potential diplomatic strains with Mexico but lacks substantial representation of Mexican government opinions or responses, creating an imbalance. The piece could benefit from quotes or insights from Mexican officials or analysts to better understand the bilateral implications. Additionally, while it touches on the complexity of US-Mexico relations, the article leans towards emphasizing US perspectives, particularly Republican viewpoints, which could suggest a bias. Including more diverse perspectives would provide a fairer representation of the issue.
The article is generally well-written, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the historical context, current discussions, and potential implications of designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. The language is clear and professional, avoiding excessive jargon, which aids comprehension. However, some sections could be more concise, as they delve into historical details that might not be directly relevant to the current situation. The tone remains neutral for the most part, though a few phrases could be interpreted as emotive. Overall, the article effectively communicates complex issues in an accessible manner.
The article cites credible sources, including political figures like former Attorney General William Barr and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, which adds authenticity to the coverage. References to outlets like the Wall Street Journal also bolster its credibility. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of sources, including academic experts on international law or drug policy, to provide deeper insights. Additionally, while it mentions unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, more transparency about these sources would enhance credibility. Including Mexican sources or international relations experts would further strengthen the article's authority.
The article provides a decent level of transparency by outlining the basis of its claims, such as mentioning Trump's previous actions and current discussions. However, there is limited disclosure about the unnamed sources, which could affect the perceived impartiality of the reporting. The article does not sufficiently disclose any affiliations or potential biases of the sources cited, which would be beneficial for readers to fully understand the context. Furthermore, while it outlines the political implications, a clearer explanation of the legal processes involved in designating terrorist organizations would improve transparency.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Dunwoody drug ring leader sentenced for trafficking fentanyl, meth in home with 4-year-old daughter
Score 6.8
Agriculture secretary signals breakthrough in Mexico water dispute after high-level call: ‘We’re moving fast’
Score 6.8
Four important ways Trump can tackle the drug crisis and Make America Healthy Again
Score 5.2
Police surveillance, K9 alert lead to Lincoln drug arrest
Score 6.0