Trump offers U.S. troops to fight cartels—Mexico says no
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 05, 2025, 20:03 IST
( Image credit : AP )
In a bold move, Donald Trump suggested deploying U.S. troops to Mexico to combat the rampant drug cartel violence. However, Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected the proposal, reinforcing the importance of national sovereignty. Trump voiced his discontent, arguing that fear of cartels obstructs progress. Yet, Sheinbaum stood her ground, reiterating Mexico's dedication to self-governance. Meanwhile, the U.S.
In a move that has reignited debate over U.S.-Mexico relations and the handling of drug cartels, former President Donald Trump revealed he offered to send American troops into Mexico to combat cartel violence—an offer Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump criticized Sheinbaum’s response to his proposal, suggesting fear was the driving factor behind her refusal.
“She’s so afraid of the cartels she can’t walk,” Trump told reporters. “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.”
Trump’s comments followed Sheinbaum’s confirmation that during a phone call last month, Trump pushed for a stronger U.S. military presence in Mexico to target the cartels. The idea, however, was swiftly and decisively dismissed by the Mexican leader.
In her official statement, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to sovereignty. “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable,” she said. “We can collaborate. We can work together, but with you in your territory and us in ours. We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army on our territory.”
Trump’s proposal is part of a broader campaign to ramp up military involvement in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly in response to the surge of fentanyl entering the U.S. through Mexico. He has consistently framed the cartels as a national security threat.
“They are bad news,” Trump said. “If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil.”
Since January, there has been a noticeable increase in U.S. military presence along the southern border, following Trump’s directive to strengthen the military’s role in curbing illegal immigration and drug smuggling. U.S. Northern Command has deployed troops and surveillance aircraft, and is seeking greater authority for U.S. Special Forces to coordinate with Mexican units in anti-cartel operations.
In February, Trump escalated his approach by designating several drug-smuggling gangs and cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This classification allows U.S. law enforcement to tap into broader counterterrorism resources when pursuing these groups.
Despite Trump’s aggressive stance, Sheinbaum’s administration remains committed to maintaining Mexico’s autonomy. The diplomatic tension underscores a persistent disagreement between the two countries on how to address cartel violence and drug trafficking, with both leaders appearing unwilling to compromise.
As the U.S. election season approaches, Trump’s rhetoric around national security, border control, and military action is expected to remain a central theme of his campaign. Whether such strategies gain political traction or deepen international divides remains to be seen.
For now, the U.S. may continue to act along its border—but Mexico is making it clear that it draws a firm line when it comes to boots on its soil.
Would you like a visual infographic or timeline summarizing Trump’s actions on the U.S.-Mexico border?
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump criticized Sheinbaum’s response to his proposal, suggesting fear was the driving factor behind her refusal.
“She’s so afraid of the cartels she can’t walk,” Trump told reporters. “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.”
Trump’s comments followed Sheinbaum’s confirmation that during a phone call last month, Trump pushed for a stronger U.S. military presence in Mexico to target the cartels. The idea, however, was swiftly and decisively dismissed by the Mexican leader.
In her official statement, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to sovereignty. “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable,” she said. “We can collaborate. We can work together, but with you in your territory and us in ours. We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army on our territory.”
Trump’s proposal is part of a broader campaign to ramp up military involvement in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly in response to the surge of fentanyl entering the U.S. through Mexico. He has consistently framed the cartels as a national security threat.
“They are bad news,” Trump said. “If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil.”
Since January, there has been a noticeable increase in U.S. military presence along the southern border, following Trump’s directive to strengthen the military’s role in curbing illegal immigration and drug smuggling. U.S. Northern Command has deployed troops and surveillance aircraft, and is seeking greater authority for U.S. Special Forces to coordinate with Mexican units in anti-cartel operations.
In February, Trump escalated his approach by designating several drug-smuggling gangs and cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This classification allows U.S. law enforcement to tap into broader counterterrorism resources when pursuing these groups.
Despite Trump’s aggressive stance, Sheinbaum’s administration remains committed to maintaining Mexico’s autonomy. The diplomatic tension underscores a persistent disagreement between the two countries on how to address cartel violence and drug trafficking, with both leaders appearing unwilling to compromise.
As the U.S. election season approaches, Trump’s rhetoric around national security, border control, and military action is expected to remain a central theme of his campaign. Whether such strategies gain political traction or deepen international divides remains to be seen.
For now, the U.S. may continue to act along its border—but Mexico is making it clear that it draws a firm line when it comes to boots on its soil.
Would you like a visual infographic or timeline summarizing Trump’s actions on the U.S.-Mexico border?