Over the last several years, as Mexican and other Latin drug cartels became even more violent and influential at the southern U.S. border, many on the right wondered why the U.S. military wasn't allowed to do much about it.

According to Breitbart, that could soon be changing as President Donald Trump reportedly "secretly" signed an order that authorizes the U.S. military to act against "certain Latin American drug cartels." 

The cartels that the president will authorize the U.S. military to use force against have previously been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

The New York Times was the first outlet to report the bombshell development that could turn the tide in an ongoing war against cartel influence at the southern U.S. border and beyond.

What's happening?

The Times said that the president's signature on the authorization "signals Mr. Trump’s continued willingness to use military forces to carry out what has primarily been considered a law enforcement responsibility to curb the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs."

Not surprisingly, the Times overanalyzed the situation:

But directing the military to crack down on the illicit trade also raises legal issues, including whether it would count as “murder” if U.S. forces acting outside of a congressionally authorized armed conflict were to kill civilians — even criminal suspects — who pose no imminent threat.

The news comes in the wake of news last month that indicated the Trump administration has engaged in flying drones overhead of cartels operating close to the southern U.S. border.

Now, military actions -- even force -- appear not to be off the table when dealing with the most dangerous cartels out there.

Breitbart noted:

The U.S. government has already had various drones overflying cartel operations and has expanded its intelligence operations in Mexico; however, the order could open the door for drone strikes or for special operations groups to operate and capture cartel figures in Mexico and other countries like Venezuela.

The Trump administration has designated several Mexican cartels as FTOs, perhaps setting the stage for what's to come.

Social media reacts

Users across social media, especially MAGA fans, reacted cheerfully to the news.

💥 BREAKING: TRUMP goes to WAR with CARTELS
LAND, AIR AND SEA strikes are on the table 💥

Trump’s given the military the green light to extinguish the cartels that are killing Americans.

💀 It’s NO MERCY for Bad Hombres — SEEK AND DESTROY 💀 pic.twitter.com/EG694jYExY

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) August 9, 2025

"Let’s show them all the cool stuff the military has to offer them," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Time to clean up Mexico!"