Trump Wants to Go to War in Mexico

But does he even understand what he’s proposing?

 

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Donald Trump, a man who falsely claimed to oppose the Iraq War and has baselessly asserted that the United States was not at war during his presidency, has repeatedly proposed bombing and even invading Mexico – a sovereign state and the top trading partner of the United States. Trump is proposing a reckless and dangerous new conflict that would cost billions of taxpayer dollars and put American lives at risk.

Despite the risks it poses to the American people, the U.S. economy, and our national security, Trump’s “go it alone” idea is quickly gaining steam among MAGA Republicans in Washington. But there’s a reason this policy proposal has been condemned by bipartisan experts, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and even by Trump’s former National Security Advisor. Invading, bombing or otherwise attacking Mexico is dangerous, ineffective, and would put American servicemembers at risk. Not to mention that previous efforts to target drug lords and production facilities have had little to no effect on trafficking levels while drastically increasing levels of violence and migration.

Trump and his MAGA allies are serious about entangling the U.S. in another ill-conceived war

  • Trump has demanded “battle plans” to “attack Mexico.” Trump has repeatedly asked policy advisers and campaign staff for a range of military options to launch attacks in Mexico, including strikes that are not sanctioned by Mexico’s government. Trump has been briefed on several options that include unilateral military strikes and troop deployments in a sovereign U.S. partner and neighbor.

  • Republicans in Congress support Trump’s plan to go to war in Mexico. MAGA Republicans in the House introduced a bill seeking authorization for the use of military force in Mexico and close Trump ally Tom Cotton said he is open to sending U.S. troops into Mexico, even without that nation’s permission.

  • Trump asked military leaders to launch strikes in Mexico and deny responsibility. In 2020, Trump asked his defense secretary about the possibility of launching missiles into Mexico, maintaining that the United States’ involvement in a strike against its southern neighbor could be kept secret. When his military leaders objected to the plan, Trump suggested they could blame other nations for the strike, adding that “no one would know it was us.”

American military leaders – and the Mexican government – oppose Trump’s dangerous plan to send our troops to Mexico

Trump’s half-baked proposal would create chaos and increase migration

Trump’s plan will not prevent drug trafficking, but it will lead to more death and destruction


Published: May 2024

Updated: November 2024


See also: Talking points on Trump’s Reckless Plan to Go to War in Mexico | May 2024