US President Donald Trump asserted that criminal groups are in charge of controlling the country, although he also referred to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as an “extraordinary woman” and very brave.
“Mexico is controlled by cartels and we have to defend ourselves,” the US president said on October 23, adding that he respects the Mexican president.
Trump’s statements came at a press conference at the White House, where he also added that some leaders are afraid due to the presence of criminal groups in the country.
Similarly, the US president commented on the situation in Colombia, a country where criminal organizations also have a strong presence, according to Trump.
“The cartels control those countries, and that includes Colombia. Colombia is a haven for cartels and has been for a long time. They have a very bad leader, and they are producing cocaine at levels we’ve never seen before.
Along with Donald Trump were Pamela Bondi, the US Attorney General, and the country’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, among other officials.
On previous occasions, the US president had already commented on criminal groups in Mexico. Last February, Trump stated that the Mexican government has an “alliance” with criminal groups dedicated to drug trafficking.
“These cartels have an alliance with the Mexican government and endanger the national security and public health of the United States.”
Meanwhile, months later, on July 16, he accused the cartels of having “tremendous control” over Mexico, arguing that the US has the right to defend itself. He added on that occasion that Mexican authorities are terrorized. due to the control that criminal organizations have.
On several occasions, President Claudia Sheinbaum has also responded to accusations from the Star-Spangled Banner administration.
On May 5, during one of her morning press conferences, Sheinbaum emphasized that she had spoken by phone with Trump.
“President Trump said: we want to help Mexico and we want to send troops, among others, if needed. And I told him: no, President Trump, we cannot collaborate on many other things within the framework of our sovereignty, the territoriality that each of us is entitled to.”
On July 17, the Mexican president asserted that the country has taken firm action against organized crime, highlighting the criminalization of fentanyl trafficking. She also noted that US authorities should recognize the drug use problem among its young population.
Source: infobae
