Trump criticizes Mexican president for rejecting offer of US troops to fight cartels

President Donald Trump recently revealed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum turned down his offer to send U.S. troops to Mexico to assist in the fight against drug cartels. Trump expressed his disappointment in Sheinbaum’s decision, stating that she is too afraid of the cartels to accept help.

During a press briefing on Air Force One, Trump mentioned that he had suggested sending American troops to combat the Mexican cartels that are responsible for drug trafficking. He criticized Sheinbaum for declining his offer, emphasizing her fear of the cartels as the reason behind her decision.

“She’s so afraid of the cartels she can’t even walk… And I think she’s a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can’t even think straight,” Trump remarked.

Sheinbaum later confirmed Trump’s claim, stating that she had informed him that Mexico would never allow a U.S. military presence on its soil. She stressed the importance of Mexico’s sovereignty and expressed willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on combating the cartels while respecting the boundaries of each country’s territory.

Trump highlighted the need for American troops to help combat the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. by drug cartels. He emphasized the destructive nature of the cartels and their impact on both Mexico and the United States.

“They are bad news. If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that I would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil,” Trump stated.

In response to the escalating issue of illegal immigration, Trump ordered an increase in the U.S. military presence at the border to address the flow of immigrants. Additionally, U.S. Northern Command has deployed troops and equipment to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and requested expanded authority for U.S. Special Forces to collaborate with Mexican forces in counter-cartel operations.

In a strategic move, Trump designated various gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the U.S. as “foreign terrorist organizations” in February, enabling law enforcement to take more decisive action against these groups.

The conversation between Trump and Sheinbaum sheds light on the complexities of addressing drug cartels and their activities in Mexico. While both leaders express a willingness to collaborate, the issue of sovereignty and national security remains a critical factor in determining the extent of U.S. involvement in Mexico’s fight against drug cartels.