The Trump administration has launched military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, aiming to curb the fentanyl crisis. The initiative, supported by families of victims known as ‘Angel Moms,’ has faced scrutiny from lawmakers but remains a focal point in the fight against synthetic opioids. The Senate recently rejected a motion to limit presidential authority on these operations, affirming Trump’s ability to continue such actions. Families of those affected have become vocal advocates, emphasizing the urgent need to combat the drug epidemic through decisive measures.
Anne Fundner, an ‘Angel Mom’ who lost her 15-year-old son, Weston, to a counterfeit Percocet pill laced with fentanyl, has become a vocal supporter of the administration’s efforts. She argues that the strikes are a necessary response to the ongoing crisis, which has claimed countless lives. The Senate’s rejection of a resolution aimed at curbing presidential authority on these operations has been seen as a major victory for the administration and the families who have been demanding more aggressive action. The motion, which sought to require congressional approval for future strikes, was narrowly defeated 51-48, with only a handful of Republicans and Democrats supporting it. Fundner and other families see this as a turning point in the fight against fentanyl, with the administration’s actions being a direct response to their pleas for more decisive action.
The administration’s strategy involves not only military strikes against suspected drug boats but also legislative efforts to crack down on the distribution of fentanyl-laced pills. The passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which imposes a 10-year minimum sentence on dealers, has been welcomed by families who have lost loved ones to the crisis. In New Jersey, Fundner is working with Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia to strengthen penalties for those distributing illicit drugs and to combat what she calls ‘drug groomers’ who target children through counterfeit pills. These efforts are part of a broader response to the epidemic, which has seen a surge in fentanyl-related deaths in recent years. The administration argues that every strike on a drug vessel can prevent countless deaths, emphasizing the human cost of the crisis.
Despite the support from families and the Senate’s endorsement, the administration’s actions have not gone unchallenged. Critics have questioned the legality of strikes in international waters and the reliability of intelligence regarding the contents of these vessels. However, families like Fundner argue that the immediate risk to public health justifies such measures. They have taken to the capital for annual remembrance events, where they have expressed their gratitude for the administration’s actions. Fundner’s advocacy highlights the emotional and social impact of the fentanyl crisis, with her insistence that the fight must include both legislative and military responses to protect American families from the ongoing threat of drug-related deaths.