According to those close with the talks, President Trump is reportedly now putting pressure on Mexico to permit greater U.S. military participation in the war against drug cartels, making security a point of contention for neighbors who are simultaneously talking about immigration and trade.
During a 45-minute phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on April 16, tensions increased as Trump pushed for the U.S. military to play a key role in fighting Mexican criminal gangs who manufacture and smuggle fentanyl into the United States, according to the sources.
According to the persons, Sheinbaum informed Trump that while her administration would work with him on issues like intelligence sharing, it would not consent to a direct military presence.
Trump has stated in public that if Mexico doesn’t eradicate cartels, the United States will act unilaterally.
According to Trump and Sheinbaum, the call was fruitful. Strong bilateral collaboration is producing results and building a historically secure border, according to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
According to Mexican officials, the country’s tense past—which includes two invasions since 1846—means that Mexico will not agree to a U.S. military presence.
According to Mexican and American authorities, Sheinbaum has skillfully handled disputes with Trump and his administration about trade, immigration, and security.
She has emphasized bilateral collaboration while avoiding conflict. She has complied with numerous Trump demands, including as reducing illegal immigration and providing Texas farmers with limited water.
As a fluent English speaker who spent years living in California, she addresses Trump directly without the use of interpreters.
On Thursday, the two leaders discussed trade briefly once more.
According to Sheinbaum, the two countries decided to keep talking about methods to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico and to cut tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
However, Mexican authorities think there is little room for more security compromises. They stated that Sheinbaum would not consent to actions that would infringe upon Mexico’s sovereignty.
As her administration struggles with a security crisis fueled by territory wars between drug cartels nationwide, Sheinbaum is facing pressure at home.
According to persons involved with bilateral security talks, the Trump administration has contemplated using U.S. Special Forces to apprehend or murder drug lords or using drones to blow up fentanyl facilities.
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