Mexican President Rejects Trump's Proposal to Deploy US Troops Against Drug Cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected a proposal from US President Donald Trump to deploy American troops on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels.

Speaking at a public event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Sheinbaum confirmed details of a Wall Street Journal report published on May 2, which revealed that Trump had suggested increased US military involvement in Mexico's war on drugs during recent private phone conversations.

"It's true," Sheinbaum acknowledged. "On some calls, he told me: 'How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States Army enter to help you.'"

The Mexican president stated that she unequivocally declined the offer, responding to Trump: "No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable. 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."

According to sources, Trump made the proposal during a phone call on April 16, suggesting that US forces could take a leading role in confronting Mexican drug cartels, particularly those involved in fentanyl production and smuggling.

While rejecting military assistance, Sheinbaum expressed openness to increased collaboration with the US through enhanced intelligence sharing. She also urged Trump to take stronger action against cross-border arms trafficking, which has contributed to significant violence in Mexico.

In response, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council reaffirmed Trump's commitment to assisting Mexico in combating drug cartels and enhancing border security.

This development underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations over drug trafficking, immigration, and national sovereignty issues.