U.S. President Donald Trump once again addressed the security situation in Mexico with remarks that sparked reactions in both countries. According to his statements, the president claimed that U.S. authorities have succeeded in reducing drug trafficking by 60% along one of the routes they monitor, and announced that they would now focus their efforts on the land routes crossing Mexican territory.
Trump asserted that “Mexico has lost control of its country” and that criminal organizations are the ones wielding real power within its borders. “The cartels run Mexico, and it’s sad,” he said—a stance the Republican has repeated on numerous occasions since the start of his second term.
The U.S. president also referred directly to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, describing her as “a very good woman” but adding that she is “a very frightened woman” in the face of the power held by drug trafficking groups operating in the country. “The drug cartels are totally in charge of Mexico,” he insisted.
President Sheinbaum has responded in various morning press conferences by stating that Mexico is taking action against organized crime and maintaining a cooperative stance with Washington, without ceding sovereignty. She has insisted that a U.S. military intervention is “not an option” for her government and has emphasized the principle of shared responsibility between the two nations regarding security and arms trafficking.
