Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed Saturday that she previously rejected a proposal from then-President Donald Trump to allow U.S. troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels, emphatically stating that Mexico’s sovereignty is not negotiable.
Speaking publicly, President Sheinbaum recounted a phone call that occurred while Trump was still in office. According to Sheinbaum, Trump offered American military assistance to tackle drug trafficking operations within Mexico.
“He said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.’ And you know what I said to him? ‘No, President Trump,’” Sheinbaum stated, as reported by The Associated Press (AP). She underscored her refusal by adding, “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended.”
The Mexican President confirmed details reported by The Wall Street Journal, which outlined Trump’s push for a U.S. military lead in the fight against cartels and Mexico’s agreement only to intelligence sharing, not a troop presence.
In response to the reporting and Sheinbaum’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt released a statement defending the U.S. position and calling for increased collaboration with Mexico.
“Dangerous Foreign Terrorist Organizations, however, continue to threaten our shared security and the drugs and crime they spread threaten American communities across the country,” the statement said, according to AP. “The President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more to combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”
READ: Deported 6 Times, Man Arrested In Massachusetts On Unlawful Reentry Charge
The interaction highlights the differing approaches between the two nations on combating powerful drug cartels. During his presidency, Trump pursued a strategy of unprecedented pressure on the Mexican government, including designating major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, strengthening border enforcement, resuming wall construction, and expanding surveillance programs.
He also famously threatened steep tariffs on all Mexican imports unless Mexico increased its efforts against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
However, this pressure campaign did lead to increased action from Mexico. In response to the threat of tariffs, Mexico deployed thousands of National Guard troops and escalated efforts against organized crime groups.
READ: Mexico Pledges Increased Rio Grande Water Deliveries To Texas Following High-Level Talks
These efforts have yielded significant results, with Mexican forces reportedly seizing approximately 5 tons of methamphetamine, 453 kilos of cocaine, and 55 kilos of fentanyl since early February. Additionally, authorities seized $40 million worth of meth and extradited 29 cartel leaders to the U.S., including a longtime fugitive implicated in the 1985 murder of a DEA agent.
Despite the areas of cooperation spurred by past pressure, President Sheinbaum’s firm rejection of U.S. military intervention underscores Mexico’s stance on maintaining national sovereignty in the fight against organized crime within its borders.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
