The New York Times President Trump has declared an intensified campaign against drug cartels, including closing airspace over Venezuela, while also moving to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted in the U.S. for drug trafficking. These conflicting actions have been criticized by Democrats and former officials as undermining the administration’s stated commitment to fighting illicit drugs. The administration’s military buildup in the Caribbean, ostensibly for anti-narcotics operations, has also been met with skepticism, with some suggesting broader ambitions like accessing Venezuela’s oil reserves or ousting Nicolás Maduro.

• Trump announced intensified efforts against drug cartels, including closing airspace over Venezuela.
• He also announced plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted of drug trafficking charges in the U.S.
• Critics argue these actions show a contradiction in Trump’s anti-drug strategy.
• The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations.
• Trump has also pressured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of heading a drug cartel.
• The decision to pardon Hernández has surprised officials in Honduras and the U.S.