Trump Criticizes Sheinbaum For Rejecting Offer to Send U.S. Troops to Mexico: 'She's So Afraid of the Cartels'

President Donald Trump has confirmed he offered to send U.S. troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels, an offer firmly rejected by Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum. The proposal was made during a phone call between the two leaders last month and could become a point of tension between the neighboring countries, which are also negotiating over trade and immigration.

"She is so afraid of the cartels she can't even think straight," Trump said Sunday aboard Air Force One, adding that Sheinbaum "can't walk" out of fear of cartel violence in the country. He did, however, describe her as "a lovely woman."

Trump's proposal was first reported by The Wall Street Journal last week, detailing that tensions rose towards the end of a 45-minute telephone conversation on April 16. According to the outlet, Sheinbaum told Trump her administration would cooperate on matters such as intelligence sharing but "not accept a direct military presence."

Sheinbaum confirmed the offer on Saturday during an event at a university in Mexico:

"And do you know what I told him? No, President Trump. The territory cannot be violated. Sovereignty cannot be sold. Sovereignty is cherished and defended. It's not necessary. We can collaborate. We can work together. But you in your territory and us in ours. We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States' army in our territory"

While both countries have cooperated on certain security issues, including allowing U.S. drone flights to identify fentanyl labs, Sheinbaum has consistently rejected any form of military intervention from the United States in Mexican soil. "We don't accept invasions or interference," she said last month. "We are not a protectorate or colony of any foreign country."

However, some in the Trump administration are reportedly considering launching drone strikes on drug cartels in Mexico anyway, the Crisis Group detailed last week. If the decision is ultimately carried out , it would be the first time since 1914 that the U.S. conducts unilateral military action in Mexico. "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 passage of its analysis from last week.

Launching drone strikes, special operations or any other lethal action against criminal organizations in Mexico without the country's consent could backfire and cause huge damage to the bilateral relationship, the organization added.