Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that she rejected the idea of U.S. military involvement in tackling drug cartels after a productive discussion with President Donald Trump regarding security and drug trafficking. During her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum disclosed that she turned down offers of military assistance from Trump and explicitly ruled out U.S. military intervention in Mexico. She emphasized the importance of collaboration while maintaining Mexico’s sovereignty, expressing a desire for coordination without subordination.
Earlier that day, Sheinbaum shared on social media that she and Trump had conversed about security measures respecting Mexico’s sovereignty, combatting drug trafficking, as well as trade and investment. Trump’s recent remarks on Fox News implied that cartels were in control of Mexico and suggested the possibility of targeting land areas to combat them.
In discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the focus was on the necessity of enhanced cooperation to dismantle Mexico’s violent narco-terrorist networks and prevent the trafficking of fentanyl and weapons. Sheinbaum highlighted in her press conference that fentanyl trafficking from Mexico to the U.S. had decreased by approximately 50% over the past year.
Regarding Trump’s statements on Cuba no longer receiving Venezuelan oil or funds following the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, Sheinbaum clarified that she did not discuss Cuba with Trump. Mexico is willing to facilitate communication between Cuba and the U.S. if requested. Sheinbaum also mentioned that Trump inquired about Mexico’s stance on Venezuela, to which she reiterated the country’s opposition to military interventions based on its constitution.