Mexico stands firm: Rejects Trump's military aid proposal
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has firmly rejected Donald Trump's proposal to send U.S. military forces to assist local authorities in the fight against drug cartels.
What do you need to know?
- The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, rejected Donald Trump's proposal to send U.S. military forces to Mexico.
- Sheinbaum proposed cooperation and information exchange with the U.S., while also calling for an end to arms trafficking into Mexico.
- The Trump administration considered drone attacks on cartels, but Mexico categorically rejects unilateral U.S. actions.
Why did Mexico reject Trump's proposal?
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, during a public appearance, announced that she rejected Donald Trump's proposal to send U.S. military forces to Mexico.
"No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct, sovereignty is sacrosanct, sovereignty is not for sale, sovereignty is loved and defended," emphasised Sheinbaum, "we will never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory." Trump's proposal aimed to support Mexico in the fight against drug cartels.
What are the alternatives to cooperation with the U.S.?
Sheinbaum proposed to Trump cooperation and information exchange, while also calling for an end to arms trafficking into Mexico, which is used by cartel "soldiers."
At the beginning of April, NBC News reported that the Trump administration considered drone attacks on the cartels in Mexico.
What actions are being taken by the U.S. and Mexico?
Sheinbaum said at that time that she categorically rejects any unilateral actions by the U.S. military in Mexico, and such military operations "will solve nothing." Despite this, the White House has not ruled out unilateral U.S. action without the consent of the Mexican government.
Currently, with the consent of Mexican authorities, the U.S. military and CIA have increased the number of surveillance flights over Mexico to gather intelligence on drug cartels. The White House deemed these actions necessary for U.S. national security.
