• President Claudia Sheinbaum considers legal action against Elon Musk.
• Musk alleged Sheinbaum was linked to drug cartels after recent cartel violence.
• The claim follows the military operation that killed cartel leader "El Mencho."
• Sheinbaum dismisses Musk’s accusations as "absurd."
• Political tensions are rising as the government continues to face cartel-related violence.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her government is contemplating legal action against Elon Musk following his comments suggesting she is connected to drug cartels. Musk made these allegations through social media, stating that Sheinbaum was merely “saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say” in response to a video of her discussing cartel violence. Sheinbaum described these claims as “absurd” and asserted that her administration prioritizes the opinions of the Mexican people over Musk's assertions, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.

The remarks came shortly after a military operation led to the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” Following this operation, violence erupted across Mexico, including roadblocks and attacks instigated by cartel members. Sheinbaum has emphasized a need for peace rather than a return to the violent “war on drugs” approach, which has been criticized for exacerbating violence and insecurity in the country, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Sheinbaum stated that her government is focused on listening to citizens and maintaining a strategy that doesn't involve a militaristic approach to organized crime. Despite ongoing political pressure and opposition criticism accusing her administration of fostering a “narco-government,” she maintains that her approach is legal and aimed at public safety. The accusation of government ties to drug cartels has been a prominent part of the political narrative since the ruling MORENA party took office, further complicating the nation’s response to cartel violence, according to Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera.