President Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had urged Mexico’s president to allow U.S. troops to enter the country to assist in combating drug cartels, a proposal that was promptly rejected.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Palm Beach, Florida, to Washington, Mr. Trump stated that it was “true” he had made the request to President Claudia Sheinbaum. This proposal, first reported by a major news outlet last week, emerged following a lengthy phone conversation between the two leaders on April 16.
President Sheinbaum also acknowledged that Mr. Trump had suggested the idea, but she firmly rejected it. She noted that Mexico and the United States can “collaborate,” but emphasized, “with you in your territory and us in ours.”
Mr. Trump explained that he proposed the idea because the cartels are “horrible people that have been killing people left and right” and have profited from drug sales that harm American citizens. He expressed willingness to assist, stating, “If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it.”
He further remarked, “The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can’t even think straight.”
While Mr. Trump has maintained a more favorable working relationship with President Sheinbaum compared to his interactions with Canadian leaders, relations with both neighboring countries have been strained due to issues surrounding trade and immigration.