Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed Donald Trump's statements on potential military operations in Mexico to fight drug cartels. She stated it would not be necessary and that Mexico, as a sovereign nation, would never accept foreign intervention. She emphasized the current understanding on security matters with the United States.
During her morning press conference on December 10, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed recent statements by Donald Trump, who on Tuesday, December 9, left open the possibility of launching military operations in Mexico similar to those against Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean. Trump justified this as part of the fight against fentanyl trafficking, mainly from Mexico and Colombia. In an interview with Politico journalist Dasha Burns, Trump stated: “Of course I would” when asked if he would consider similar actions against these countries.
Sheinbaum ruled out any intervention: “That is not going to happen because it is not necessary, because we are a sovereign country and we would never accept foreign intervention.” She added that it is not necessary to respond to all of Trump's opinions, although Mexico disagrees with some. “We have an understanding with the United States on security matters. We always seek the best relationship between Mexico and the US and so far it has been very respectful,” she emphasized.
This is not the first time Trump has proposed military operations in Mexico. Previously, he has favored actions against organized crime and designated cartels such as Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) as terrorist organizations. Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, warned that cartel leaders will be hunted like Al-Qaeda members.
Sheinbaum also criticized prior US attacks on Venezuelan boats in international waters, arguing they violate international laws. “We do not agree. There are international laws on how to act regarding the alleged illegal transport of drugs or weapons in international waters,” she expressed. Mexico provided humanitarian cooperation: the Navy conducted an operation 800 kilometers south of Acapulco to search for survivors after an October bombing, though none were found. There is an agreement for the Mexican Navy to intercept vessels based on US information.
