Trump Signs 3 Executive Actions on Crime Against Police, Drug Cartels
The three new directives followed Jeff Sessions' confirmation.
— -- During Jeff Sessions' swearing in Thursday morning as attorney general, Donald Trump signed three executive actions targeting drug cartels, violent crime and violence against law enforcement officers.
"First, I'm directing Department of Justice and Homeland Security to undertake all necessary and lawful action to break the back of the criminal cartels that have spread across our nation and are destroying the blood of our youth and other people, many other people," the president said.
"Secondly, I'm directing Department of Justice to form a task force on reducing violent crime in America," he added.
"And thirdly, I'm directing the Department of Justice to implement a plan to stop crime and crimes of violence against law enforcement officers," he said. "It's a shame what's been happening to our great, truly great law enforcement officers. That's going to stop as of today."
Since assuming office over two weeks ago, Trump has utilized executive action to follow through on several campaign promises — most notably a ban on travel and immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. As a candidate, he frequently pledged to protect law enforcement officials and crack down on crime.
"Today's ceremony should be seen as a clear message to the gang members and drug dealers terrorizing innocent people: Your day is over," said Trump. "A new era of justice begins, and it begins right now."