Trump Says He Asked Mexico to Let U.S. Military In to Fight Cartels

President Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had urged Mexico’s president to allow U.S. troops into the country to assist in combating drug cartels, a proposal she promptly turned down.

Mr. Trump disclosed to reporters on Air Force One from Palm Beach, Fla., to Washington that he did indeed raise the issue with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The suggestion was made during a phone call on April 16, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Ms. Sheinbaum confirmed that Mr. Trump had made the proposal, and she rejected it. She emphasized that Mexico and the United States can work together, but each country should handle matters within its own borders.

Mr. Trump explained that he proposed the idea due to the violent actions of the cartels, stating, “They’re evil people who have been causing harm and profiting from the drug trade.”

He expressed willingness to assist Mexico in dealing with the cartels, stating, “If Mexico needed help, we would be willing to provide it. I told her that. I would be honored to assist. The cartels pose a threat to our nation. They are evil.”

He also commented on the Mexican president’s fear of the cartels, saying, “The president of Mexico is a wonderful woman, but the fear of the cartels has clouded her judgment.”

While Mr. Trump has had a relatively positive relationship with Ms. Sheinbaum compared to Canadian leaders, tensions with both neighboring countries persist over issues such as trade and immigration.