The Washington Post is facing criticism and mockery from conservatives, including the Trump administration, for reporting on a ‘mysterious’ drop in fentanyl seizures at the U.S. southern border. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, U.S. law enforcement seizures of fentanyl have dropped by 50% since November, which the organization notes as a ‘greater decline in total fentanyl smuggling.’ The drop has been attributed to a combination of factors, including cartel internal strife, ingredient shortages, and potential changes in demand. However, conservatives, including Trump allies and the White House, argue that the decrease is a direct result of Trump’s policies on border security and immigration enforcement.
White House officials have accused the Post of being ‘pathetic’ and suffering from ‘Trump-Derangement Syndrome,’ while critics like Rep. Tom Tiffany and Charlie Kirk have mocked the report as misleading. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that fentanyl traffic at the southern border fell by 54% from March 2024 to March 2025. The Post, however, remains skeptical, noting that the drop ‘represents something of a mystery.’ The article was widely mocked by conservatives online, who argue that the decline is a clear indication of the effectiveness of Trump’s border policies.