The United States faces a complex geopolitical and moral dilemma at its southern border. With President Donald Trump still holding office for three more years and Mexico recently electing a socialist government, tensions are rising—not only over trade and migration but also over Trump’s proposal to label Mexican cartels as “terrorist organizations.” While his instincts on border control remain strong, directly confronting Mexican cartels through military intervention risks creating deeper instability that could backfire on both nations.
Trump’s Protectionism vs. Mexico’s Socialism
It is important to clarify: Trump is not a pure free-market capitalist. His policies lean toward American protectionism—a defensive economic posture that shields domestic industries. This may not be the ideal of free-market capitalism, but it remains far more pragmatic than the far-left policies we see in countries like Canada, Australia, and much of Europe, where socialist regulations increasingly smother small and medium-sized businesses.
By contrast, Mexico’s embrace of socialism signals a national desire for price controls and state intervention. History shows that such measures often stifle economic growth. If socialist policies weaken legitimate opportunities, young Mexicans may find the cartels—or worse, decentralized criminal networks—far more appealing.
The Problem with Labeling Cartels as Terrorists
At first glance, branding Mexican cartels as terrorists seems like a strong, decisive move. But the reality is more complicated. Cartels are deeply embedded in the Mexican economy, and if dismantled, they will not simply vanish. They will be replaced, possibly by more fragmented and decentralized criminal actors. Unlike cartels, which—despite their violence—still provide a degree of structure and predictability, decentralized criminals operate without hierarchy or restraint. This type of chaos poses an even greater danger to civilians.
Socialist Policies Breed Crime
Socialist systems often destroy small and medium-sized businesses through red tape, taxation, and regulations. While large corporations can sometimes benefit from government favoritism, it is ordinary entrepreneurs who suffer most. In Mexico, this means fewer legitimate opportunities for young people. When the legal economy fails, the illegal economy thrives.
For a restless young person seeking quick wealth, cartel life offers a twisted but real version of a market economy—where ambition, risk, and boldness can lead to fortune. Even if the odds of success are slim, the mere possibility appeals to the psychology of youth seeking immediate gratification. By contrast, socialism’s “wait your turn” philosophy only fuels resentment and despair.
Lessons from Canada and Beyond
In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has successfully blamed U.S. protectionism for his nation’s economic woes, even though the real culprit is domestic socialist mismanagement. This illustrates a broader truth: socialist politicians excel at shifting blame. By portraying outside forces as the enemy, they distract from their own destructive policies. Mexico’s leaders are likely to follow a similar script, using U.S. pressure as an excuse for inevitable economic failures.
A Christian Perspective on Liberty and Truth
As Christians, we must remember that Christ died for our liberty, freedom, and right to pursue property. Centralized systems—whether in politics or in religion—risk suppressing truth. Catholicism, for example, with its hierarchical control, often dictates narratives that leave many resentful toward Christ rather than drawing them nearer.
When we read Scripture ourselves, we see a different story: Christ came to expose wickedness, not to censor truth. He was opposed and silenced by the priests of His day because His message threatened their authority. Likewise, we must not allow socialist ideologies—or compromised religious leaders—to censor truth today.
Christ’s message was one of peace, not violence. He taught that vengeance belongs to God, not man. Yet He also never instructed believers to submit blindly to lies. Turning the other cheek does not mean bowing to evil—it means trusting God’s justice while refusing to let hatred corrupt our own souls.
The Wrong Battle for Trump
If Trump chooses to escalate against Mexican cartels by deploying U.S. boots on the ground, he risks entangling America in a battle it cannot win. The Mexican people have signaled through their vote that they want socialist policies, redistribution schemes, and government control. Forcing obedience through military might will only strengthen anti-American sentiment and give socialist leaders a convenient scapegoat.
Instead, Trump’s priority should remain where it has proven most effective: strengthening border security, deterring illegal entry, and protecting the sovereignty of the United States. By focusing on America’s internal defense rather than external intervention, Trump can solidify his legacy of putting American interests first.
Conclusion
Mexico’s socialist turn, combined with the entrenched power of its cartels, makes direct U.S. military intervention a losing proposition. Cartels may be violent, but the chaos of decentralized crime fueled by socialist economic failures would be far worse.
The wiser path for America is to reinforce its borders, resist socialist influence, and hold fast to the values of liberty and truth taught by Christ. In the end, political strategies may rise and fall, but only God’s justice provides true stability.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.