Mexican president rejects Trump proposal to allow US troops to fight drug cartels

President Donald Trump proposed sending US troops into Mexico to assist in combating drug cartels, a suggestion that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly turned down. Sheinbaum confirmed the report by the Wall Street Journal during a public event, revealing that Trump had made the proposal in private phone calls. Sheinbaum expressed that Mexico’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, stating, “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable… We can collaborate and work together, but each in our own territory.” Trump’s administration has increased military presence along the US-Mexico border, including expanding CIA surveillance drone operations over Mexican land and designating drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Trump has blamed Mexican cartels for the fentanyl crisis in the US, which has resulted in numerous American deaths. Trump has criticized Mexico for not taking action against the cartels, emphasizing the need for assistance. The White House emphasized the importance of cooperation between the US and Mexico but stressed that Mexico needs to do more to combat the threats posed by drug cartels and terrorism.