Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sharply rejected a proposal from former U.S. President Donald Trump to send American troops into Mexico to help combat drug cartels, underscoring her administration’s commitment to national sovereignty.
The revelation came during a public address on May 3, when Sheinbaum reflected on an earlier phone call with Trump. The 45-minute conversation, held on April 16, was described by Sheinbaum as “very positive”—despite Trump’s controversial offer.
“In one of the calls, Trump said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the U.S. Army come in to help you,’” Sheinbaum recounted during a university event near Mexico City. “And you know what I told him? ‘No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct, sovereignty is sacrosanct, sovereignty is not for sale—sovereignty is loved and defended.’”
Reiterating her stance, Sheinbaum added firmly: “We will never accept the presence of the United States military on our territory. We can work together—but you on your side of the border, and us on ours.”
The call comes amid already fraught relations. Trump, as part of his campaign rhetoric, has signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and imposed tariffs on Mexico—moves aimed at pressuring neighboring countries to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S.
Later that day, White House National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt also addressed the phone call, though no additional details were provided.
Sheinbaum drew the line at US troops coming over (ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
Hewitt said Sheinbaum and Trump have been working together ‘to achieve the most secure southwest border in history’.
However, he added: “Dangerous Foreign Terrorist Organizations, however, continue to threaten our shared security and the drugs and crime they spread threaten American communities across the country.
“The President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more do combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”
Elsewhere in the phone call, the pair discussed ongoing trade issues.
Trump’s suggestion was quickly shot down (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Sheinbaum took to Twitter on May 1 to write: “I had a very positive conversation with President Trump; we agreed that the Secretaries of Finance and Treasury, as well as Economy and Commerce, will continue working in the coming days on alternatives to improve our trade balance and advance on pending issues for the benefit of both countries.”
While no specific agreement had been made, the Mexican president resolved, as quoted by France24: “The important thing is that we’re working on it, and there’s a desire on the part of the US government and ours to reach even better trade agreements.”
