Mexican President Says She Rejected Trump's Offer to Deliver Troops to Mexico to Fight Drug Trafficking: 'No, President Trump'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Saturday that she rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's offer of troops to help combat drug trafficking in her country.

"He 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,'" Sheinbaum told reporters in eastern Mexico.

"Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended," she added.

White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt released a statement following Sheinbaum's comments. "The President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more do combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries."

According to the Crisis Group, an independent organization that works to prevent wars, the U.S. is considering taking action to combat drug trafficking with or without Sheinbaum's consent. "Some officials in Washington appear to be laying the groundwork for military action against drug trafficking organizations in Mexican territory, with—or without—Mexico's consent," the Crisis Group said in a report.

Additionally, in April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Mexican officials that the U.S. was considering unilateral action to combat cartels. "All cards are on the table," he said, referring to the range of actions his department was considering.

While Sheinbaum and Trump may not agree on military action, the two are working toward improving trade relations amid Trump's newly imposed tariffs.

"We agreed that the secretaries of the Treasury, finance, economy and commerce will continue working in the coming days on options to improve our trade balance and advance outstanding issues for the benefit of both countries," Sheinbaum wrote on X on Thursday.

However, she said there wasn't a "specific agreement" yet regarding tariffs.

"The important thing is that we're working on it, and there's a desire on the part of the U.S. government and ours to reach even better trade agreements," she said.