Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has disclosed details of Donald Trump’s proposal to assist the country in combating drug trafficking—and explained why she firmly rejected it.
Tensions between the two leaders have been high, particularly after Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and imposed tariffs on Mexico, actions framed as part of his effort to pressure countries into stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into the U.S.
Despite these strained relations, Sheinbaum described an April 16 phone call with Trump, which lasted 45 minutes, as “very positive”—even though it included his controversial offer to deploy U.S. troops to fight Mexican drug cartels.
On May 3, Sheinbaum spoke at a university event near the capital and reflected on her call with Trump.
She said: “In one of the calls, Trump said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the US Army come in to help you’.
“And you know what I told him? ‘No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct, sovereignty is sacrosanct, sovereignty is not for sale, sovereignty is loved and defended’.”
Doubling down on the response, Sheinbaum continued: “We will never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory.”
She resolved: “We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours.”
Later that day, White House National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt also commented on the call.
Sheinbaum drew the line at US troops coming over (ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
Hewitt said Sheinbaum and Trump have been working together ‘to achieve the most secure southwest border in history’.
However, he added: “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 President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more do combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”
Elsewhere in the phone call, the pair discussed ongoing trade issues.
Trump’s suggestion was quickly shot down (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
