A CNN reporter’s interview with a member of one of the world’s most violent criminal organizations took an unexpected turn this week when the cartel member offered praise — not criticism — of President Donald Trump.
Isobel Yeung, reporting for CNN, traveled to the Mexican state of Sinaloa as part of a segment examining the operations and impact of the Sinaloa Cartel, which has long been considered one of the most powerful and dangerous drug trafficking organizations in the world.
The group has been linked to widespread violence, including targeted assassinations, extortion, and transnational narcotics trafficking.
Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
In the course of her reporting, Yeung secured an interview with an identified member of the cartel.
During their conversation, she referenced the Trump administration’s decision to designate the cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
“According to the Trump administration, you are a terrorist. You are a member of a terrorist organization. What do you make of that?” Yeung asked.
The cartel member acknowledged the characterization, saying, “It’s ugly. But we have to eat.”
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Yeung then followed up with a direct question aimed at provoking a response about the president.
“What is your message to Donald Trump if he’s watching this?” she asked.
The answer was brief — and unexpected.
“My respect,” the cartel member replied. “According to him, he’s looking out for his people.”
Straight from a member of the Sinola Cartel.
CNN Reporter: “What is your message to Donald Trump if he’s watching this?“
Cartel Member: “My respect. According to him, he’s looking out for his people.“ pic.twitter.com/HcXiifbcYr
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) May 3, 2025
The exchange aired as part of Yeung’s investigation into the cartel’s influence in Mexico and its impact on civilians and state security forces.
The Sinaloa Cartel has long been the focus of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies due to its widespread operations, which span North and South America and extend into parts of Europe and Asia.
As part of his administration’s aggressive stance against transnational organized crime, President Trump signed an executive order designating several Mexican drug cartels — including Sinaloa — as both Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
The designation allowed the United States government to expand the tools available to disrupt cartel activities, including the use of financial sanctions, expanded criminal penalties, and potential military involvement.
President Trump signs an Executive Order designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations pic.twitter.com/TZhPywQIbq
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 21, 2025
President Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of using the U.S. military to target cartel leadership and infrastructure inside Mexico, a proposal that has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers.
During his time in office, Trump emphasized securing the southern border and dismantling criminal networks responsible for human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and violence against civilians on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The designation of the Sinaloa Cartel and other groups as FTOs and SDGTs marked a significant policy shift, aligning U.S. strategy on organized crime with counterterrorism operations.
Under the designation, members of the cartel are subject to enhanced legal penalties, and U.S. officials can target cartel-linked assets globally.
The unexpected remarks from the cartel member add an unusual perspective to the broader conversation surrounding U.S.-Mexico policy and the effectiveness of border security initiatives.
While the cartels remain a significant threat to regional stability, the acknowledgment of Trump’s tough posture — even from within a designated terrorist organization — underscores the international reach of U.S. policy under his administration.
Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
![Vivek Gets Confronted by Protestor at GOP Event, Encounter Takes a Surprising Turn [WATCH]](https://www.right2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vivek-Gets-Confronted-by-Protestor-at-GOP-Event-Encounter-Takes-350x250.jpg)
![NYT Tries to Run Cover for Female Black Hawk Pilot... DEI-Driven Military Failures? [WATCH]](https://www.right2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NYT-Tries-to-Run-Cover-for-Female-Black-Hawk-Pilot-350x250.jpg)
![Reality Hits Adam Schiff in San Francisco—It’s Not Pretty for Democrats [WATCH]](https://www.right2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Reality-Hits-Adam-Schiff-in-San-Francisco—Its-Not-Pretty-for-350x250.jpg)
![Tulsi Gabbard Opens Official Probe Into Fauci’s COVID19 Cover-Up [WATCH]](https://www.right2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tulsi-Gabbard-Opens-Official-Probe-Into-Faucis-COVID19-Cover-Up-WATCH-350x250.jpg)
