Under pressure from Trump on cartels, Sheinbaum turns spotlight on US drug use

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's call for additional action against drug cartels in Mexico, asserting that decisions on the matter should be made by the Mexican people and their government, not a foreign country. Sheinbaum emphasized her country's independence and sovereignty, arguing that Mexican officials accused of aiding cartels must be held accountable.

Trump's presidential determination, submitted to Congress, listed eight Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, citing Mexico's failure to do "nearly enough" to combat drug cartels. Trump urged Mexico to take more steps to stop drug flows and increase inspections at ports of entry to prevent the entry of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl.

Sheinbaum countered by asking about the U.S. government's efforts to address drug use and narcotics distribution within its own borders, stating that Mexico is actively combating drug production and smuggling. She also pointed out that U.S. authorities should focus on weapon smuggling from the United States to Mexico, which contributes to the firepower of organized crime groups. Sheinbaum firmly stated that Mexico does not need outside judgment on its domestic issues.