Trump has the cartels on their heels — now with Colombia’s help

Published August 27, 2026 6:00am ET | Updated August 27, 2026 10:08am ET



In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

President Donald Trump‘s fight with the Latin American drug cartels is one of this administration’s success stories. The cartels have been forced into expensive evasion efforts. Corrupt politicians in Mexico are under unprecedented pressure. Venezuelan dictator and drug chieftain Nicolas Maduro now lives in an American prison cell. And the United States has just restored a key counter-drugs alliance with Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.