President Donald Trump ordered the United States military to target drug cartels and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) on Friday, prompting concerns over diplomacy and presidential overreach, the New York Times reported.

Citing sources close to the matter, the Times reported that Trump signed an order directing the Pentagon to begin using military force against overseas targets. It's not clear if the order includes language about obtaining Congress ' consent.

The Department of Defense declined to comment to Newsweek , deferring to the White House. A White House spokesperson said Trump remains committed to "protecting the homeland".

Newsweek reached out to the Mexican embassy in the U.S. for comment via email Friday afternoon.

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