Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that she rejected any U.S. military involvement in combating drug cartels, following a productive discussion with President Donald Trump regarding security and drug trafficking. She emphasized during her daily press briefing that she turned down offers of military assistance from Trump and unequivocally dismissed the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Mexico. She stated that if the U.S. made any contradictory statements, she would seek further clarification through another call.
“We are committed to cooperating while upholding our sovereignty,” Sheinbaum stated. “Our aim is to coordinate efforts without being subordinate to any external entity.”
Earlier on the same day, Sheinbaum shared on social media that the two leaders addressed security matters while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty, combatting drug trafficking, as well as enhancing trade and investment opportunities.
Trump’s recent remarks on Fox News suggested that drug cartels were in control of Mexico, hinting at the potential for U.S. strikes on Mexican soil to combat them. These comments are part of a series of escalating threats by Trump regarding using U.S. military force against drug cartels within Mexico.
On a separate note, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions with Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente to stress the need for increased cooperation in dismantling Mexico’s violent narco-terrorist networks and halting the trafficking of fentanyl and weapons.
Sheinbaum mentioned in her briefing that fentanyl trafficking from Mexico to the United States had decreased by approximately 50% over the past year. Additionally, she clarified that she did not engage in discussions about Cuba with Trump, especially following his statements indicating that Cuba would no longer receive Venezuelan oil or funds subsequent to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January.
Should the need arise, Mexico is prepared to facilitate communication between Cuba and the United States, as per Sheinbaum. She disclosed that Trump inquired about Mexico’s stance on Venezuela, to which she reaffirmed the country’s opposition to military interventions as outlined in its constitution.