Trump Aims for Death Penalty Deal with China Over Fentanyl

On Wednesday, July 17th, President Donald Trump stated that the United States would pursue an agreement with China. This agreement would involve China imposing the death penalty on individuals involved in the transportation of fentanyl into the US.

Trump explained that the tariffs imposed on China were a form of penalty to compensate for the losses the US incurred due to the alleged trafficking of the drug. He emphasized his positive relationship with President Xi of China but highlighted the 20% tariff implemented due to the fentanyl issue. He asserted that China was a major source of the drug, delivering it to Mexico and the US.

Furthermore, Trump mentioned signing legislation to amend the Controlled Substances Act concerning the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. He expressed his belief that China would eventually agree to the death penalty for those who manufacture and send fentanyl into the US, whether directly or through other countries.

Trump also stated that such a deal with China should have been reached sooner. He blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the drug crisis he inherited upon taking office. He criticized the previous administration for allegedly allowing foreign drug cartels to establish a significant presence in the US.

Trump further alleged that the open border policy under the previous administration facilitated the influx of fentanyl, posing a major challenge for law enforcement. He claimed that illicit drugs had devastated American communities and created the largest law enforcement challenge in the country's history.