Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW – October 23
Oct 23, 2025
President Trump, the current U.S. president, discusses military strikes against drug cartels and ties fentanyl trafficking to China. He champions recent crime reductions linked to his task force's actions. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto addresses the government shutdown and speaks on bipartisan efforts for drug price reforms. Ryan Reilly sheds light on the stalled investigation into Senator Adam Schiff, highlighting political pressures and evidence gaps. Former military officer Pete Hegseth supports intelligence-driven strikes while discussing national security.
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Cartels Framed As National Security Threat
- President Trump framed cartels as a national-security threat and compared them to ISIS to justify expanded military action.
- The administration has publicly embraced strikes on drug-smuggling vessels and plans to brief Congress on operations.
Escalation From Sea To Land
- The White House announced at least nine strikes with dozens of reported deaths in the region.
- Officials signaled readiness to escalate strikes from sea to land and brief Congress on the actions.
Description Of High-Speed Drug Boats
- President Trump described seeing fast, multi-engine boats loaded with 'white powder in silver cases' as evidence of narco-trafficking.
- He recounted long-standing U.S. captures of drug boats and claimed much greater recent intensity.
