Ah yes, the classic blunt-force approach to complex international problems—when in doubt, just slap a "Terrorist" label on something and pretend you've solved it.

This executive order isn’t a serious policy solution—it’s a reactionary, headline-grabbing, legally dubious, and strategically reckless stunt that will cause more problems than it solves. If there were a Handbook for Policy Mistakes, this order would be Chapter One.

1. You Can’t Just Declare a “War on Cartels” Like It’s 2001 Again

There’s a massive difference between terrorist organizations and cartels. One operates with ideological goals; the other is a business, albeit a violent one. Cartels don’t want to destroy the U.S.—they want to make money off of it. They function like corporations—horrifying, brutal ones, yes—but if you treat them like ISIS, you guarantee an endless cycle of violence without actually dismantling their business model.

If this order was actually about reducing cartel influence, it would focus on:
Targeting money laundering networks
Cutting off arms trafficking (which, by the way, comes mostly from the U.S.)
Coordinating with Mexico rather than treating it like a failed state
Strengthening economic alternatives to organized crime

Instead, this order declares an “emergency” and starts waving the big red War on Terror button like it’s some kind of magic wand. Spoiler: It’s not.

2. “Foreign Terrorist Organization” Status Won’t Work Like They Think It Will

What happens when you label cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)?

• It becomes harder for the U.S. and Mexico to cooperate because now every engagement with Mexican law enforcement gets legally complicated.

• Journalists, human rights organizations, and even people forced into cartel work (which is a massive issue in Mexico) suddenly become legally associated with terrorism.

• Mexican sovereignty? Completely ignored. Because what’s a little military intervention talk between “allies”?

And let’s be clear—this order paves the way for direct military action inside Mexico, whether through drone strikes, special operations, or other means that would turn U.S.-Mexico relations into a diplomatic dumpster fire overnight.

If you thought the War on Drugs was already a colossal failure, just wait until we militarize it even further and alienate the one country we need to work with to actually solve the problem.

3. The Real Problem? America’s Own Role in Cartel Power

This order reads like the U.S. has no responsibility for cartel strength. But guess what? We’re their biggest customer.

• The U.S. drug market funds cartels. We consume more illicit drugs than any country in the world.

• The U.S. arms trade supplies cartels. Over 70% of illegal weapons used by cartels come from the United States.

• Corruption and money laundering enable them. Cartels move billions through American financial institutions every year, yet this order doesn’t even mention targeting cartel financing at the banking level.

So let’s get this straight—we arm them, we fund them, we launder their money, and now we’re going to call them terrorists and pretend that fixes anything?

This isn’t a solution; it’s a distraction.

4. This is a Legal and Logistical Nightmare Waiting to Happen

Once cartels are labeled terrorists, what happens?

• Any interaction with them becomes material support for terrorism, meaning even Mexican businesses, officials, and civilians could be legally implicated under U.S. law.

• Every migrant fleeing cartel violence could now be seen as potentially associated with terrorism—making asylum claims even harder.

• Mexico will absolutely refuse any cooperation with a policy that treats its internal security as a U.S. military problem.

Also, let’s be real—cartels will adapt. The FTO designation won’t cripple them, it will just shift their tactics. They don’t care about political labels; they care about money and control.

5. This Order is Just Political Grandstanding in the Dumbest Possible Way

At the end of the day, this isn’t a serious strategy—it’s a political stunt. It’s designed to:
Look “tough” on crime without solving anything
Justify more military spending and interventionism
Ignore America’s own role in the problem
Turn Mexico into a scapegoat rather than a partner

It’s the same failed War on Drugs playbook, just with a fresh coat of “War on Terror” branding slapped on it.

Final Verdict: A Complete Policy Disaster in the Making

This executive order is reckless, dangerous, legally questionable, and strategically incompetent. It will destabilize relations with Mexico, create a logistical nightmare for law enforcement, hurt innocent civilians, and do nothing to stop cartels from operating.

If anything, it will make them stronger—just like every other militarized attempt to fight them in the past.

If you wanted a masterclass in performative politics disguised as security policy, this is it.