Executive Order Signed and Announced on Official Website
Donald Trump, President of the United States, is speaking at the U.S.-Mexico Border Patrol Medal Award Ceremony held in the Oval Office of the White House on the 15th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Donald Trump, President of the United States, who has declared a "war on drugs," signed an executive order on the 15th (local time) designating fentanyl-a new synthetic drug that has been entering the United States in large quantities-as a "weapon of mass destruction" (WMD). This unprecedented measure, which treats narcotics on par with chemical weapons, appears to signal the U.S. government's determination to eradicate them.
'Added to Weapons of Mass Destruction'
At the White House that day, while awarding medals to the US-Mexico Border Patrol, President Trump stated, "We are officially classifying fentanyl as a WMD."
The executive order posted on the White House website that day specified, "Illegal fentanyl is closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic." It further explained, "Even a minuscule amount-2 milligrams (mg), roughly equivalent to 10 to 15 grains of ordinary salt-can be a lethal dose."
The order also highlighted the national security threat posed by organized crime networks and drug cartels, pointing out that the distribution of fentanyl by these groups financially supports "assassinations, acts of terrorism, and insurgent activities," and enables large-scale violence.
Fentanyl, cash, and pistols seized during a crackdown last month in Georgia by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Task Force (TF). Photo by EPA Yonhap News
The Trump administration, in its second term, has been waging a war on drugs since taking office in January, and in May, seized 3 million fentanyl pills in a large-scale crackdown. In the United States, tens of thousands of people die each year from overdoses of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, making the drug problem a serious social issue.
Reuters described this move as "unprecedented," stating, "Designating narcotics as WMDs signals President Trump's intention to treat fentanyl not merely as a public health crisis, but as a national security threat on par with chemical weapons."
"Defending Tariffs on China... Justifying Military Action in South America"
This measure is also interpreted as an attempt by President Trump to defend his tariff policy against China and other countries, citing the influx of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl as justification. President Trump said that day, "China is working very closely with us to reduce the amount of fentanyl being distributed."
At the same time, it is seen as an effort to justify potential future U.S. military operations to counter drug smuggling from South American countries such as Venezuela. Previously, the Trump administration declared war on Venezuelan drug cartels, combining military pressure with economic sanctions, including blocking oil exports.
Recently, the U.S. attacked a vessel near the Venezuelan coast that was identified as a "drug transport ship," resulting in at least 83 deaths. At a cabinet meeting on the 2nd, President Trump stated, "We are beginning to carry out such airstrikes on land as well," suggesting the possibility of expanding military operations to the mainland.
He said, "We are designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, which is a very significant measure from both legal and military perspectives. We have ended the 'catch and release' policy." He added, "Drugs entering by sea have decreased by 94%," and repeatedly emphasized the imminent launch of ground operations targeting countries like Venezuela, stating, "We will begin to strike them on land, which is much easier than at sea."
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