"No, Mr. President." Mexican President Rejects Trump's Offer

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

"No, Mr. President." Mexican President Rejects Trump's Offer

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Saturday that US President Donald Trump had proposed sending US troops to Mexico to assist her administration in combating drug trafficking, but she had rejected it.

Her remarks to supporters in eastern Mexico came in response to a Wall Street Journal article published the day before, describing a tense phone call last month in which Trump allegedly pressured her to accept a greater role for the US military in combating drug cartels in Mexico.

He said, "How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I suggest the US military come and help you." And you know what I said? "No, President Trump."

She added, "Sovereignty is not for sale."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sheinbaum's remarks.

The US military presence along its southern border with Mexico has steadily increased in recent months, following Trump's January order to increase the military's role in stemming the flow of migrants.