Shield of the Americas transforms into A3C, a 19-nation anti-cartel coalition

In March, Donald Trump signed a proclamation creating the Shield of the Americas, a symbolic declaration lacking budget or structure. Five months later the effort has been rebranded as the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), uniting 19 ideologically aligned nations, though Brazil and Mexico stay out despite Mexico’s role as a drug corridor. Pete Hegseth heads the coalition, which has already convened two ministerial meetings and must adopt a comprehensive campaign plan by November.

The U.S. Southern Command, through the newly activated Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere under General Francis L. Donovan and operational lead General Kevin Jarrard, provides military credibility and may expand operations beyond maritime interdiction. Honduras, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia—now led by President Abelardo de la Espriella—are seen as pivotal for confronting transnational criminal networks, yet the initiative faces challenges from national legal constraints and a $1 billion funding request that will depend on the post-election Congress. Democrats’ potential control of the House or Senate could impose stricter oversight, making the November action plan crucial for securing resources.