MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly declined U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy American troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels. According to the Associated Press, Sheinbaum said Trump pressured her to accept the bigger military role.
“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.,’” said Sheinbaum. “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended.”
Sheinbaum’s comments follow a Wall Street Journal report detailing a tense 45-minute phone conversation between the two leaders about the topic.
In a statement to the Associated Press, White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt said the Trump administration is working closely with Sheinbaum to secure the border.
“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,” the statement reads.
As Emily’s Hope reported earlier this year, Trump designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and increased military presence along the southern border with Mexico. Since taking office, Trump and the Mexican government have worked in coordination to use CIA drones to conduct surveillance flights over Mexico.
