• Trump accuses Sheinbaum of refusing US troop assistance due to fear of cartels.
• Sheinbaum asserts that Mexico's sovereignty is 'not for sale.'
• She emphasizes ongoing communication with the US despite Trump's military proposal.

US President Donald Trump criticized Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for declining his proposal to deploy American troops in Mexico to tackle drug cartels. Trump stated that Sheinbaum's refusal stemmed from her being “too afraid” of the cartels, claiming, “She is so afraid of the cartels she can’t walk,” during a press session on Air Force One. He reiterated his offer to assist Mexico in combating drug trafficking, describing her decision as a failure to think straight due to fear of the cartels, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Sheinbaum firmly rejected the notion of US military involvement, asserting during public comments that, “sovereignty is not for sale.” She expressed that while Mexico is open to cooperation, it must respect national borders and that she informed Trump that the presence of US troops is unacceptable. Despite Trump's aggressive stance on military involvement, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of mutual respect and good communication with the US government, according to Al Jazeera and AA.

In addition to rejecting the military proposal, Sheinbaum acknowledged ongoing issues such as fentanyl trafficking and arm smuggling from the US to Mexico, which aggravate cartel-related violence. She commended Trump's commitment to tackle gun trafficking and stated, “It is historic... promising a firm stance against the smuggling of weapons from the United States to Mexico,” demonstrating a desire for focused cooperation while firmly defending Mexico's sovereignty, according to AA.