Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refused to address former President Donald J. Trump’s claim that she is afraid of drug cartels, sidestepping the issue during a national press briefing. Trump had stated Sheinbaum was “so afraid of the cartels she can’t think straight,” following a phone call in which he offered to deploy U.S. troops to help dismantle cartel operations. Sheinbaum declined the offer and has since refrained from directly confronting Trump’s comments.
During her daily news conference, Sheinbaum was asked about Trump’s remarks. Rather than responding directly, she emphasized strong diplomatic relations with the United States, noting five phone calls with Trump during his most recent term. She insisted she would not engage in public exchanges through the media that could lead to diplomatic confusion, opting instead for private communication with U.S. officials.
Sheinbaum defended her refusal to accept American military assistance, claiming her rejection was based on a desire to protect Mexico’s sovereignty. Despite the disagreement, she maintained that overall cooperation between the two governments remained “healthy,” especially in areas of mutual interest.
Interestingly, Sheinbaum offered praise for President Trump, specifically recognizing his recent efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking into Mexico. She called it a “significant move” and commended the former president for taking steps previous U.S. leaders had avoided.
She also stated that Mexico’s steady dialogue with the Trump administration has allowed her country to avoid harsh penalties under the White House’s tariff regime. While many other nations face increased trade pressure, Sheinbaum argued that ongoing communication placed Mexico in a “preferential” position.
Despite avoiding a direct answer, Sheinbaum’s comments reflect a careful diplomatic strategy to avoid offending Trump while preserving national pride. Her administration continues to walk a fine line between appeasing U.S. leadership and defending national autonomy amid increasing cartel violence.
