Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded Monday to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that she rejected his proposal to send American troops into Mexico due to fear of the country’s powerful drug cartels.
During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum reaffirmed that while Mexico welcomes cooperation with the United States, it will not accept the presence of foreign troops on its soil.
“There is very good communication between our governments,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that diplomatic exchanges should not be conducted through the media. “Why create conflict in the press? We have ongoing dialogue and many shared agreements,” she added, noting that she and Trump have spoken by phone on at least five occasions.
While acknowledging that they occasionally disagree, Sheinbaum reiterated her stance: “We made it clear that the presence of the U.S. Army in Mexico is not an option. Collaboration, yes—but within the framework of respect for our sovereignty.”
She also gave Trump credit for being the only U.S. president to take real steps against the flow of weapons from the U.S. into Mexico. “Just as we are making great efforts to combat fentanyl and other drug trafficking from Mexico to the U.S., we hope for continued cooperation on arms trafficking in the opposite direction,” she said.
Trump’s comments came during a conversation aboard Air Force One, where he confirmed having urged Sheinbaum to accept U.S. military assistance in combating cartels. “It would be an honor for us to help,” Trump told News Nation. “She’s afraid of the cartels—that’s why she said no. She’s a lovely woman, but so afraid she can’t think straight.”
The U.S. has increased its military presence along the border in recent months following Trump’s January directive to expand military operations aimed at curbing migration.