Trump admits his plans to send US troops to Mexico
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump spoke about his desire to send American troops to Mexico to help stop illegal drug trafficking. However, his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the proposal, Associated Press reports.
The American leader, speaking with journalists aboard Air Force One, criticized the Mexican President's decision and claimed that she is allegedly afraid of the cartels in her country.
Trump's latest comments came a day after Sheinbaum confirmed that the US President pressured her during a phone call in April, urging her to agree to a greater role for US military forces in the fight against drug cartels in Mexico.
Currently, in his conversation with media representatives, Trump confirmed that he had proposed sending troops to Mexico and criticized Sheinbaum for refusing to approve the idea.
"Well she's so afraid of the cartels she can't walk, so you know that’s the reason. And I think she's a lovely woman. The President of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight," the US President said.
Increased US military presence near Mexico
Western media note that the US military presence along the southern border with Mexico has steadily increased in recent months following Trump's January order to expand the military's role in curbing the flow of migrants.
Earlier, US Northern Command deployed troops and equipment to the border, increased the number of manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border, and "sought expanded authority for US Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels," writes AP.
Mexican President’s rejection
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum stated that US troops operating in Mexico have gone "too far."
"He (Trump - ed.) said, 'How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.' And you know what I said to him? 'No, President Trump. Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended,'" Sheinbaum said on Saturday.
Mexican leader also added that she told Trump that their two countries "can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours."
Earlier, in April, Trump issued an executive order to expand control over federal lands near the US - Mexico border. This was explained by the intention to step up efforts to combat illegal migration.
Last month, an American television channel reported that the US was considering the possibility of drone strikes against cartels in Mexico.
During his inauguration in January, Trump announced a decision to designate cartels as international terrorist organizations.
