Trump signs bill to keep tough sentences for fentanyl traffickers
The law also makes permanent mandatory minimum penalties of five years in prison for trafficking 10 grams of fentanyl and 10 years for 100 grams.
"It doesn't sound like much, but it's a big deal," Trump said.
The Department of Homeland Security seized 27,000 pounds of fentanyl and arrested 3,600 criminal suspects in 2024.
More than 105,000 people nationwide died of drug overdoses in 2023, including nearly 73,000 from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The crackdown on fentanyl distribution is also at the heart of current U.S. trade disputes with China, Mexico and Canada. Trump imposed tariffs on those countries, citing the threat of cross-border fentanyl trafficking.
"We are delivering another defeat for the savage drug smugglers and criminals and the cartels," Trump said.
Parents of several people who died after overdosing on fentanyl spoke at the event.
Anne Fundner, whose 15-year-old son Weston died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2022, previously spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year.
"It is a lifeline for families across America for keeping our families safe," Fundner said of the legislation. "This is what we voted for, Mr. President."
Gregory Swan, whose 24-year-old son Drew died of fentanyl poisoning, started a group known as Fentanyl Fathers, in which parents tell their story to high schools across America.
"His passing ruined, I thought, my life," Swan said. "There's despair and there's hopelessness. But we've been able to find some repose in going out and advocating."
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The Herald Scotland
37 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
There are 115,000 reasons why Trump should be welcomed to Scotland
Little is yet clear on the economic implications of America's new trade policies and Scotland's position within a radically changed global trade structure. The Trump administration is actively reshaping the way the world does business wherever the US is involved. Unfortunately the recent UK-US tariff deal is not yet the broadly-based trade agreement that would secure jobs for Scottish exporters. A baseline 10% tariff on most goods entering the United States might be less challenging than the EU position but it has hit growth and jobs. For Scotland, it represents a significant challenge to our transatlantic trade relationship, which generated £3.8 billion in exports to the US in 2024. Exporters have been forced to re-route product and quickly develop new markets. The urgency of this month's discussions is underscored by the imminent review in August of the UK-US trade arrangements. The present temporary agreement is fragile, creating anxiety in many sectors of the Scottish economy, from universities to food and drink. The impact on Scotland's key industries is already tangible. Scotch whisky, which suffered a major hit to sales during Trump's first presidency when he imposed 25% tariffs, faces renewed uncertainty. The US remains the largest Scotch export market by value, but global trade turmoil is a big headwind for an industry that exports 90% of its product. Read more: Similarly, Scottish salmon exports to the US are significant. Worth over £200 million annually, this trade is the second largest market for the product. And the pressure that lies ahead to harmonise with American regulatory standards could fundamentally alter Scotland's economic landscape. The US now views trade imbalances in simplistic terms, regulatory differences much more important than tariff levels. This represents a profound challenge to European standards on food safety, environmental protection, and product regulations. Food standards in particular are contentious and any changes could have far-reaching implications. Scotland still aims to keep in lock-step with the EU but may have to make some compromises with Westminster running the negotiations. American investment in Scotland extends far beyond Trump's golf properties. The USA is Scotland's largest inward investor, accounting for around 25% of total foreign inward investment in Scotland. More than 650 US-owned businesses employ around 115,000 people across the country. The pharmaceutical sector, financial services, and technology companies in particular have established significant operations ranging from JP Morgan to Amazon and Microsoft. Encouragingly, it seem that some American businesses are actually now viewing Scotland more favourably. If the UK can successfully negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement that provides greater certainty, Scotland could benefit from increased US investment as companies seek to establish operations that can serve both American and European markets from a single location. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some individual Americans are considering Scotland for potential relocation, attracted by our political stability, social democratic values, and cultural heritage. The relationship also involves exchange of ideas, as the US is Scotland's top global research collaborator. Eighty links between Scottish and US universities and colleges involve staff and student exchanges and many joint publications. The thousands of US students who come to our universities help to forge long lasting relationships between the two nations. The controversial nature of Trump's presidency may actually be driving some North American tourism to Scotland. Many Canadians say they have changed their thinking about travelling to the USA. But overall Scotland's tourism sector is under pressure, as a weak US dollar makes Scotland expensive for American visitors. Combined with new visitor taxes, this means that the sector does not need any new frictions. Trump's approach to international relations reflects a broader strategy to reshape the global economic order around American interests. The traditional multilateral framework that has governed international trade since the Second World War is being replaced by a more transactional system where countries must demonstrate an alignment of interests to maintain favourable treatment. Scotland's relationship with the US clearly matters but, however much it grates to be dictated to, we have relatively few negotiating levers. Even the EU as a whole seems to be in that position at the moment. It will take our leaders all their skill to make the best of the forthcoming meetings. We must find common ground and realise we might learn from new US policies. It seems reasonable for example, that countries should pay their fair share for what is effectively an American security and financial umbrella. And it took US pressure for the UK recently to drop some surprising tariffs; on pasta, pineapples and fruit juice. In some ways, Trump is pursuing a typical agenda for second term presidents - recognising that time and domestic political leverage is not on his side, making foreign policy a bigger focus. US exceptionalism may be unwinding even as it tears up longstanding agreements. In an increasingly fragmented global order it is more important than ever to protect Scottish interests. When emotion and reason are in conflict, the heart often overrules the head. But this is a time to look beyond personalities. The path forward requires acknowledging uncomfortable realities about American power and Scottish dependence while working to preserve the values and interests that define Scotland. Colin McLean is director of Barnton Capital Holdings
The Herald Scotland
39 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Is Trump good for Turnberry and Scottish tourism industry?
There are certainly many people within Scottish tourism, golf and wider society who will find Mr Trump's ownership of Turnberry, one of the country's prized sporting and hospitality assets, and his hotel and golf resort on the Menie Estate hard to stomach. The brand of populist politics he espouses, which seems expressly designed to sow outrage and division, means many people would simply not countenance a visit to any of his properties. No matter how popular the courses are within Scotland's golfing community, or how impressive the quality of the hotels, the fact they are owned by Mr Trump will be a turn-off. Some people will not have forgotten the unedifying public battle that took place between the Trump organisation and Menie residents as he sought to progress his plans on land that opponents said had protected environmental status. Mr Trump, of course, could not give two hoots about anyone who stands in the way of his developments. He will doubtless be of the firm belief that the investments made by his business have greatly enhanced the sporting and hospitality landscape of Scotland, and are better than anything else around. And moreover, it would be categorically wrong to say that Mr Trump and his family's resorts do not have their admirers. There are plenty of people in Scotland, perhaps including those with leanings to the political right, who like what they see as his non-nonsense, straight-taking approach. They may well like his apparent ability for doing a deal, and welcome the investment the Trump business group has made in Scotland. Read more: And there is certainly no shortage of golfers who like what Mr Trump has done with Turnberry, which continues to remain off The Open rota, despite recent representations by the President's family. In an interview with The Herald's Nick Rodger back in 2016, the golf course architect tasked with re-designing the fabled Aisla course, Martin Ebert, said the investment made by Mr Trump had saved its Open Championship future, highlighting the work undertaken to revive what had been a 'fading jewel'. Mr Ebert was not to know, of course, that the R&A would announce five years later that The Open would not be returning to Turnberry while Mr Trump was associated with it, but the warm feelings towards the course remain. Leading US player Bryson DeChambeau expressed his support for The Open returning to the Aisla links just last week. 'I look at it as a golf course,' he said. 'It's one of the best golf courses in the world, and I'd love for it to be a part of the rotation. Albeit I haven't played it, I've heard so many great things about it, and anytime you get to play a special historical golf course like that, I think it's worthy of it for sure.' A similar view may be held by golf fans old enough to remember the famous 'Duel in the Sun' that took place at Turnberry in 1977, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus went head-to-head for the Open title. Equally, there appears to a lot of love in the golfing world for the Trump International Golf Links on the Menie Estate, which will host the Scottish Championship, a DP World Tour event, from August 7 to 10. Beyond the golfing world, the Trump camp will likely proclaim that its investments have boosted the Scottish tourism offer more generally, and point to the jobs that are provided by the Ayrshire and [[Aberdeen]]shire resorts and the visitors they attract. Granted, the look and feel of the Trump properties will not be attractive to everyone. But some will very much like the cut of their jib. Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said there is a case for separating the resorts from their ownership as he emphasised the importance of destinations like Turnberry to the overall tourism offer in Scotland. This would seem to be a pertinent point as the sector strives to keep international visitors coming to Scotland in an era when pressure from costs is making it difficult for hotel owners and other tourism businesses to re-invest in their properties. 'There is no doubt that Turnberry remains one of Scotland's most iconic and internationally recognised golf resorts, and the quality of the product and experience it delivers has made a positive contribution to Scotland's global tourism reputation,' Mr Crothall told The Herald. 'As with any world-class tourism asset, for many visitors, the focus will be on the destination and the experience it offers rather than its owner. 'Continued investment in Scotland's tourism product is vital, particularly in our rural economies; it supports jobs, skills, the local supply chain and brings significant benefits to those communities, while also maintaining Scotland's competitive edge in the global luxury market. 'Turnberry is a prime example of how Scotland continues to attract global visitors seeking premium experiences rooted in heritage and sport, which showcase our world-renowned natural assets. Our growing reputation as a world-class golf destination is further strengthened by the development of other resorts, such as Trump International in Aberdeenshire, which has bolstered the north-east's visitor economy.' Mr Crothall added: 'Scotland's tourism industry aspires to achieve its national strategic ambition of being a world leader in 21st-century tourism, as outlined in the Scotland Outlook 2030 strategy. Investment is critical if this vision is to be realised, and it should be welcomed, whether from an independent owner-operator, a global organisation or the public sector; all investment is investment in Scotland's wider tourism offering and both the national and local economy.' Not everyone will agree with Mr Crothall. As we will perhaps see in the coming days if protestors turn up to 'greet' Mr Trump when he lands in Scotland, the President's money will not be welcomed by all. But we can all agree that there will be no shortage of headlines, as usual, when the President comes to town.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Trump ally Jeff Bezos eyes liberal network in potential bombshell deal that could transform cable news
Jeff Bezos is considering purchasing cable network CNBC when it splits with its parent company later this year, according to a new report. The deal could transform cable news as the world's fourth richest man continues to cozy up to President Donald Trump. Bezos already owns left-leaning The Washington Post a nd is the founder of Amazon, but according to the New York Post, he believes CNBC could be a good 'neutral voice' to add to his empire. The business and financial news channel would 'align well with his interests,' a source closes to Bezos told the publication. Trump often took issue with Bezos over his ownership of The Washington Post during his first term, but the relationship has softened in the second Trump administration. Bezos joined a host of tech CEOs on stage with Trump at his inauguration and last week enjoyed an hour-long private meeting with the president at the White House. Comcast is planning to split off its cable assets, which includes CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network and E!, by the end of the year. CNBC will be folded into publicly traded company Versant, led by Chief Executive Mark Lazarus and a team of NBCUniversal executives. But sources close to Comcast and Versant have cast doubt over whispers of Bezos' interest in purchasing the network. One source said Bezos has not approached executives regarding his supposed interest. Another said Versant has big plans to grow CNBC, and is not interested in selling the asset. The publication stated Versant has a two year window in which it cannot sell major assets - including CNBC - without major tax implications. It is unlikely the company would be willing to jeopardize the tax-free status of the spinoff, no matter how much Bezos would be willing to pay, one source said. Bezos is the fourth richest person in the world, with a net worth of around $241billion, according to Forbes. He recently married Lauren Sanchez in an elaborate, celebrity-filled celebration in Italy, sparking fury among locals. Their $50million wedding had a star-studded guest list with many A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance. The happy couple got married in a restored amphitheater on the island, as Sánchez wore a high-neck, long sleeve lace Dolce & Gabbana gown that took over 900 hours to make, per Vogue. The gown featured a flared skirt, long veil, and a tight-fitting waist, with tons of buttons going up the middle. 'Very Lauren. Sexy, happy, not too serious, not too drama. Elegant but at the same time sensual,' Domenico Dolce told the outlet about the bride's dress. The pair were seen having a romantic date night in St Tropez, France, on Wednesday.
