Trump Confirms Offer to Send U.S. Troops to Mexico to Help Fight Cartels

 

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he offered to send American troops to Mexico to assist in combating drug cartels, a proposal that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly refused. 

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Florida, Trump explained that he made the offer because he considers the drug cartels “horrible people” responsible for thousands of deaths. He stated, "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, I would be honored to go in and do it."

When asked if he was disappointed that Sheinbaum declined the offer, Trump responded, "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."

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Sheinbaum, who spoke on Saturday, rejected Trump's offer, asserting that "sovereignty is not for sale." She emphasized that while Mexico would consider collaboration, it would never accept U.S. military presence on Mexican soil. Her comments were in response to reports that Trump had pressured Mexico to allow deeper U.S. military involvement to combat drug trafficking.

A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson told Reuters that Trump believed Mexico needs to do more to dismantle gangs and cartels, reaffirming that the U.S. stands ready to assist if asked. Trump has previously stated he would consider unilateral military action if Mexico failed to address the issue. The two countries have engaged in several recent discussions about security, trade, and immigration.