WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order formally designating fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid, as a “weapon of mass destruction.” The announcement came during a ceremony in the Oval Office, where Trump was joined by top military and border officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine, and White House border czar Tom Homan. “No bomb does what this is doing,” Trump said, describing fentanyl as a uniquely devastating threat. “We are formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, which is what it is.” Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been linked to tens of thousands of overdose deaths across the United States each year. Authorities say the drug is highly potent, with even small doses capable of causing death, and it is often trafficked illegally across the southern U.S. border. While the term “weapon of mass destruction” has historically referred to nuclear, chemical, biological, or kinetic threats capable of inflicting massive damage on populations or infrastructure, Trump’s declaration expands the definition to include the societal and human toll of the opioid crisis. The administration has not yet clarified what specific legal or policy changes will result from this new classification. Experts suggest the designation could give federal agencies broader authority to combat the production, distribution, and trafficking of fentanyl. However, questions remain about how the order will impact domestic enforcement, sentencing, or public health initiatives targeting opioid abuse. The announcement comes amid ongoing political debate over drug policy and border security. Trump’s supporters argue that classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction underscores the urgent threat posed by opioid trafficking and reflects a strong commitment to protecting American communities. Critics caution that the move could blur the line between criminal justice and public health approaches to addiction and overdose prevention. During Monday’s signing, Trump emphasized the scope of the crisis. “No bomb, no missile, no nuclear device has caused the devastation fentanyl has brought to American families,” he said. “This is a national emergency, and we are treating it as such.” The declaration is likely to shape federal priorities in the coming months, particularly as the administration seeks to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Lawmakers and law enforcement officials are expected to monitor closely how agencies interpret and implement the order. Fentanyl-related deaths have surged in recent years, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting tens of thousands of fatalities annually. Public health advocates have highlighted the need for both enforcement and treatment programs to combat the crisis. As this executive order takes effect, Americans and policymakers alike will be watching to see how the federal government balances enforcement, border security, and public health strategies to address what Trump calls “a threat unlike any other in our history.” The post Trump Classifies Fentanyl as a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ in Executive Order appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less