President Trump Designates the 2026 “Major’s List”

9/16/2025

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Action Summary

Designation of the List: President Trump delivers the 2026 “Major’s List” to Congress, identifying countries responsible for the production and transit of illicit drugs into the United States.
Identified Countries: A total of 23 countries are designated, with a special focus on five—Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela—that have “failed demonstrably to make substantial efforts” in countering drug trafficking.
National Security Concerns: The designated countries are implicated in manufacturing and trafficking both illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, posing a significant threat to U.S. safety and public health.
Policy Enforcement: The White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is mandated to employ all available tools to hold these countries accountable and prevent harmful drug influx.
Additional Resources: Further details are available through the State Department’s press release and additional links outlining President Trump’s priorities in combating illicit drug challenges.

Risks & Considerations

The designation of countries on the “Major’s List” could lead to increased diplomatic tensions, which may affect international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University has with institutions in these countries.
There is a potential risk of reduced student enrollment from the affected countries if diplomatic relations worsen, impacting the diversity and cultural exchange within the university community.
Research programs at Vanderbilt that focus on international drug policy, public health, or related fields may face challenges in conducting fieldwork or collaborations in the designated countries due to heightened scrutiny and regulatory barriers.
The university may need to consider the implications of these designations on its global engagement strategy, particularly in terms of research funding and international student recruitment.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to provide additional support and guidance to students from the designated countries, addressing concerns about their status and future opportunities in the U.S.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health might experience challenges in maintaining partnerships and conducting research in the affected regions, necessitating adjustments in project planning and execution.
Peabody College could see an increased demand for expertise in international relations and drug policy, presenting opportunities for research and policy analysis.

Financial Impact

Potential changes in federal funding priorities related to drug control policies could impact research grants and funding opportunities for Vanderbilt, particularly in fields related to public health and international policy.
The university may need to reassess its financial aid strategies for students from the designated countries, considering potential changes in their ability to secure funding or sponsorships.
There could be a shift in philanthropic support and donations, as donors may prioritize initiatives aligned with national drug control efforts, affecting the university’s fundraising strategies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The designation presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and student enrollment.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should consider conducting research on the impact of U.S. drug policy on Latin American countries, particularly those listed on the “Major’s List.” This research could provide valuable insights into the socio-economic and political effects of U.S. policies on these regions.
The Department of Political Science could explore the implications of the “Major’s List” on international relations and U.S. foreign policy. By analyzing the diplomatic and economic consequences of these designations, the department can contribute to a broader understanding of global drug policy.
Vanderbilt’s Law School might consider offering courses or seminars on international drug law and policy, focusing on the legal frameworks and enforcement challenges associated with combating illicit drug trafficking.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor any changes in federal funding or policy shifts related to drug control efforts, as these could impact research opportunities and collaborations with government agencies.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine to engage in research on addiction treatment and prevention strategies. By developing innovative approaches to combat drug addiction, the school can contribute to national efforts to address the opioid crisis and other drug-related challenges.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in public health to collaborate with international partners on drug prevention and education programs. These partnerships could enhance the university’s global reach and impact in addressing public health issues related to drug abuse.
The focus on holding countries accountable for drug trafficking offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence how international drug policies are shaped and implemented.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures, particularly in research and international collaboration.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A. No explicit deadline or timeline for implementation is provided in the directive text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Congress: The delivery of the “Major’s List” to Congress implicates its role in oversight and legislative action concerning U.S. national security and counter-narcotics policy.
Department of State: The State Department is directly involved by issuing the Presidential Determination and the associated press release regarding the designated countries.
White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP): This office is tasked with utilizing all available tools to prevent the inflow of illicit drugs, as highlighted in the text.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three Federal agencies are directly impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) – Responsible for leveraging all available tools to hold designated countries accountable for their counternarcotics efforts.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect White House-level officials responsible for implementing national drug policy initiatives.)