Hegseth's 'We Do Bad Things To Bad People' Motto Signals Aggressive Shift in Americas Counter Cartel Coalition

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a new motto for the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC or A3C) during a visit to Panama: 'We do bad things to bad people.' The phrase, delivered at a coalition forum, emphasizes a confrontational approach against narco-terrorists and drug trafficking organizations, framing them as threats akin to historical adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.

Official remarks from the Department of War confirm Hegseth's statement, noting the coalition seeks to 'degrade, dismantle, and destroy' such networks under President Trump's leadership. The ACCC, established earlier in 2026, has expanded U.S. and partner nation operations, including lethal strikes on suspected vessels.

However, assessments from the DEA and Pentagon indicate these operations have not reduced cocaine flows into the U.S., prompting cartels to adapt with new smuggling routes like increased port usage and alternative aircraft. A Washington Post review of internal evaluations highlighted this limited impact, echoing the 'balloon effect' where pressure in one area shifts activity elsewhere.

The approach raises questions about legal authority, with debates over designating criminal cartels as narco-terrorists to justify military action absent congressional war authorization. SOUTHCOM has reported on the coalition's forum in Panama, underscoring regional partnerships with nations like Colombia.

This motto taps into public interest in decisive action against cartels, yet data suggests tactical shifts may not yield strategic reductions in drug supply, highlighting tensions between aggressive rhetoric and operational outcomes.