Trump's Narco-Terrorism Proposal Sparks Debate in Dominican Republic

President Trump urged member countries of the Americas Shield coalition to designate drug trafficking groups as terrorist organizations, sparking debate in the Dominican Republic over the legal implications of such a move. The proposal, presented during a meeting with coalition leaders, includes potential sanctions and the possible use of U.S. military force. Dominican legal experts stress that any adoption must align with the national constitution, domestic laws, and international treaties, warning against importing foreign models without local adaptation. Dominican lawmakers are divided, with ruling-party deputies supporting the initiative and opposition members calling for careful legal review. The country already set a precedent in September 2025 by designating the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group via decree.