Pennsylvania Senate Race: Republican Candidate Advocates Military Action Against Fentanyl Traffickers
David McCormick, the Republican challenger aiming to secure a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, is advocating for military action in Mexico to combat fentanyl trafficking networks, a controversial idea inspired by former President Donald Trump. As he campaigns against Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, McCormick is emphasizing this proposal as part of his strategy to address the fentanyl crisis, which is a significant focus in their race.
McCormick, a decorated Army combat veteran and former hedge fund CEO who served on Trump’s Defense Advisory Board, suggests deploying U.S. military drones and special operations teams to dismantle fentanyl trafficking cartels in Mexico. He clarified, however, that he does not propose sending large military forces into the country. “I’m not saying we’re going to send the 82nd Airborne Division to do a jump into Mexico,” McCormick stated. Instead, he believes targeted military operations could significantly disrupt the cartels and reduce their operations.
He argues that military action is justified given the devastating impact of fentanyl, which he labels as “the biggest killer in our country.” McCormick asserts that the U.S. should act without waiting for cooperation from the Mexican government, which he claims has failed to adequately address fentanyl production and trafficking. “The time for negotiating with the Mexican government to get their DEA on this is gone,” he remarked at a recent event.
This notion gained traction when Trump’s former defense secretary, Mark Esper, revealed that Trump had considered missile strikes in Mexico in 2022. While the idea was controversial then, it gained traction among some Republican lawmakers, with Trump stating it was time for America to take decisive action against the cartels. However, McCormick’s stance goes further than that of most Senate candidates, who have not endorsed military intervention.
Critics argue that military operations in Mexico would not effectively diminish cartel influence and could damage U.S.-Mexico relations. The last Mexican president, Andres Manuel López Obrador, denied the country’s involvement in fentanyl production, complicating any potential U.S. military action.
Sen. Bob Casey has not taken a clear position on the military proposal but has highlighted his support for strengthening border security and screening processes. Most fentanyl entering the U.S. is smuggled by American citizens, as noted by the Department of Homeland Security.
McCormick likens the fentanyl crisis to combat losses in the Vietnam War, citing approximately 110,000 drug overdose deaths in the last two years, primarily linked to fentanyl, compared to the reported 58,000 U.S. casualties in that war. He argues that the current situation is unprecedented and calls for a robust response.
He draws parallels between his proposed military actions and the U.S. military’s successful anti-drug operations in Colombia, which involved cooperation with the Colombian government. However, experts like Justin Logan from the Cato Institute caution against this comparison, arguing that similar military operations in Colombia did not significantly reduce cocaine availability in the U.S.
Analysts are skeptical about the likelihood of Mexico permitting U.S. military actions within its borders. Vanda Felbab-Brown of the Brookings Institution emphasizes that sustained efforts by both U.S. and Mexican forces would be needed to tackle the issue effectively, while unilateral U.S. actions could lead to long-term repercussions and harm bilateral relations.
In Congress, there is bipartisan support for hiring more Customs and Border Patrol personnel and enhancing vehicle screening at the southern border. Recent legislation signed by President Joe Biden aims to improve sanctions against trafficking networks.
While McCormick advocates for military action, other Republican leaders have tempered their rhetoric, and discussions around military authorization have stalled. Trump has indicated a willingness to act without congressional approval, while the Biden administration claims it already possesses the authority to take military action against cartels if deemed necessary.
The overarching question remains whether the fentanyl crisis warrants such military intervention, as experts debate the complexities of international law and the potential consequences of military action in Mexico.
