U.S. President Donald Trump has notified Congress that the United States is now at war with drug cartels. United States President Donald Trump has notified Congress that the U.S. is now at war with drug cartels, a move that gives his administration a legal rationale to use military force against criminal groups it has labeled as terrorist organizations. US President Trump’s declaration of war against drug cartels sparks legal debate in WashingtonThe legal declaration has sparked legal debates in Washington. 🚨 BREAKING: Trump admin tells Congress that US is now in 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations pic.twitter.com/prH6ATwUQl — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 2, 2025The Trump administration has already increased its military presence in the region, deploying warships and sending F-35 fighters to Puerto Rico. The White House official position is that the build up is intended to stem trafficking routes, and deter drug cartels from producing and moving drugs into the United States.