Top Trump administration officials told the Senate Intelligence Committee that fentanyl and international drug cartels are the top threats to U.S. national security.
Over 54,000 Americans died from synthetic opioids in the year ending October 2024, with cartels largely responsible.
The U.S. Intelligence Community’s 2025 threat assessment emphasized this crisis, placing drug gangs ahead of threats from Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Officials pointed to Mexican cartels using Chinese-made precursor chemicals.
Despite efforts, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said China’s cooperation is limited. President Trump has labeled cartels as terrorist groups and supports harsh penalties for drug traffickers.
Meanwhile, overdose deaths declined over the past year, partly due to public health efforts under the Biden administration. Some Republicans are advocating for military action against drug cartels.
