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The administration admits military strikes against drug boats have not significantly reduced the flow of cocaine into the United States

The administration announced that its ongoing military campaign against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific has failed to significantly impede the flow of cocaine into the U.S. Despite President Trump's public claims that the strikes have reduced maritime drug flow by 97 to 98 percent, Drug Enforcement Administration officials confirmed that the flow of cocaine has not been noticeably affected. Traffickers have adapted by using larger vessels and planes to circumvent international waters where the U.S. military has focused its attacks. While the military has destroyed at least 67 boats and killed at least 221 people without a trial, experts and law enforcement officials expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the strategy. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan noted that boat strikes are not the primary answer to the drug trade. The administration maintains that the operation provides systemic friction and dismantles designated terrorist organizations, though critics argue the strikes are performative and do not address the root causes of the drug supply chain.

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