7am The truth about Trump's war on fentanyl
Dec 7, 2025
David Herzberg, a drug historian and professor at the University at Buffalo, dives into the roots of America’s fentanyl crisis. He argues that the real origin lies within the U.S. pharmaceutical industry rather than foreign traffickers. Herzberg highlights how Trump’s aggressive tactics could exacerbate the situation, making drug markets more violent. He advocates for pragmatic solutions like regulating drug markets and improving treatment options, challenging the notion that supply-side strikes are effective.
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Why Fentanyl Dominates Illegal Markets
- Fentanyl's potency makes it deadly for users but ideal for smugglers due to small weight and high profit per unit.
- That combination drives its dominance in illegal markets despite high overdose risk.
Supply Cuts Can Fuel Worse Violence
- Cutting off supply without addressing demand raises prices and invites more violent, ruthless suppliers.
- Illegal markets then reward brutality and efficiency, often bringing suppliers closer to consumers.
Fentanyl As Political Narrative
- Trump's fentanyl narrative frames the crisis as foreign invasion tied to open borders and villainous traffickers.
- This political story simplifies causation and supports militarised, border-focused responses.