WATCH: Trump Calls Out Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum – “The Cartels Are Running Mexico
President Trump speaks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews (Photo by Jordan Conradson)
President Donald Trump issued a warning on Friday directed at Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, criticizing her decision to decline American assistance in dealing with Mexico’s powerful drug cartels.
Trump recently circulated a video clip of Sheinbaum speaking at a press conference where she said Mexico had firmly rejected help from the United States in confronting cartel violence. In the remarks, Sheinbaum said her government had proudly turned down the offer.
The exchange comes amid growing tension between the two leaders over how to address cartel activity. Trump has repeatedly floated the possibility of using U.S. military force against cartel organizations operating in Mexico, an idea Sheinbaum has consistently opposed on the grounds of national sovereignty.
The situation has been further complicated by recent violence connected to cartel activity. Last month, major unrest broke out in the Mexican state of Sinaloa following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The incident occurred during a Mexican military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
After his death, clashes between cartel members and government forces intensified. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel reportedly carried out attacks across the Guadalajara metropolitan region, targeting pharmacies, convenience stores, and government facilities. Fires, explosions, and heavy smoke were reported across the city, and cartel members even seized control of Guadalajara International Airport for a period of time.
Trump has previously said he would be willing to authorize ground operations against cartel groups inside Mexico if necessary. However, Sheinbaum rejected the proposal and made it clear she would not allow U.S. military forces to operate within Mexican territory.
While leaving Washington, D.C. on Friday for a trip to West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump was asked about Sheinbaum’s refusal to accept help. He responded that she made a mistake by turning down his offer.
According to Trump, he had proposed eliminating the cartels operating in Mexico, but Sheinbaum chose not to accept the assistance. He added that although he likes the Mexican president personally, he believes stronger action must be taken because, in his view, cartel groups have a significant level of control within the country.
Trump said the situation cannot be allowed to continue and argued that the cartels must ultimately be removed.
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