President Trump's military struck another blow against sanctions-evading smugglers Monday when U.S. naval forces successfully tracked down and boarded a crude oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after the vessel brazenly attempted to run an American blockade in the Caribbean.
The Department of Defense announced that the Aquila II was boarded without incident as American forces "conducted a right-of-visit" and maritime interdiction operation - a stark contrast to the weak enforcement we saw under the previous administration's failed policies.
This decisive action showcases exactly what Americans voted for in 2024: a commander-in-chief who backs up America's word with swift, professional military action. While Biden's team would have probably sent a strongly-worded letter, Trump's forces tracked this sanctions-busting vessel across two oceans and brought it to justice.
America First Enforcement
The successful interdiction demonstrates how Trump's "peace through strength" doctrine works in practice. Our military didn't fire a shot, didn't cause an international incident, but sent a crystal-clear message to anyone thinking they can flout American-led sanctions: we will find you, and we will stop you.
This operation also highlights the competence of Trump's defense team under Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has restored warrior culture to our military after years of woke indoctrination under the previous regime. Our sailors and Marines are once again focused on their primary mission: defending American interests around the globe.
The Biden administration's approach to sanctions enforcement was about as effective as their Afghanistan withdrawal - meaning smugglers and bad actors knew they could operate with impunity. Those days are over.
Patriots should feel proud watching Trump's military operate with precision and authority on the world stage. This is what happens when you have real leadership in the White House instead of a basement-dwelling puppet reading from teleprompters.
How many more sanctions-busting operations will it take before America's enemies realize Trump means business?