Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made statements regarding potential military actions in Venezuela and offered U.S. troops to Mexico to address cartel activity. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has consistently rejected U.S. military intervention within Mexico, reaffirming the nation's sovereignty and highlighting Mexico's efforts in combating cartels. These discussions follow a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture or deposing of its then-President, Nicolás Maduro, and have coincided with recent U.S. military activities near Mexico's border, prompting official clarifications from both governments.
U.S. Statements on Venezuela
Former President Trump commented on the possibility of further military action in Venezuela. He stated, "We were prepared to do a second strike if needed, we’re totally prepared, we’re still prepared. It’s not [off the table], if they don’t behave, we will do a second strike." These remarks were linked to a previous U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and deposed then-President Maduro. The Venezuelan government reported over 100 fatalities in this operation, which concluded a month-long pressure campaign.
U.S. Proposals for Mexico and Cartel Activity
Regarding Mexico, Mr. Trump urged the nation to manage cartel activity that he described as "pouring" through the country. He reiterated an offer to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to deploy American troops on Mexican territory.
Mr. Trump stated, "We’re going to have to do something, we’d love for Mexico to do it, they’re capable of doing it, but unfortunately the cartels are very strong in Mexico." He further commented on President Sheinbaum, stating, "I like Claudia, I think she’s a terrific person, I’d say every time I speak to her, I offer to send troops … she’s considering [the offer], she’s a little concerned, a little afraid, the cartels are running Mexico."
Mr. Trump also indicated that the U.S. military could initiate land strikes against drug cartels in Mexico. He stated, "We've knocked out 97% of the drugs coming in by water. And we are going to start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels." He had previously discussed this possibility in November, stating, "Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? OK with me, whatever we have to do to stop drugs."
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly commented on these remarks, stating that the administration is "reasserting and enforcing the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, control migration, and stop drug trafficking." Kelly added that the President has various options to protect the U.S. from illicit narcotics. The Trump administration previously conducted 35 documented strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, reportedly leading to 115 deaths.
Mexico's Response to Intervention Proposals
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of U.S. military action within Mexico without her authorization. She criticized the U.S. operation in Venezuela and reaffirmed Mexico's national sovereignty, stating, "It is necessary to reaffirm that in Mexico the people rule, and that we are a free and sovereign country— cooperation, yes; subordination and intervention, no."
Following Mr. Trump's statements about potential U.S. forces "hitting land" in Mexico, President Sheinbaum stated on Friday that Mexico's efforts to address cartels and slow migration north were yielding "compelling results." She cited a decline in the homicide rate, reduced fentanyl seizures by U.S. authorities at the border, and sparse migration, noting these were joint efforts with the U.S. She added, "There are very compelling results from the joint cooperation and the work that Mexico has been doing."
President Sheinbaum reiterated her call for the United States to stop arms trafficking into Mexico and emphasized drug use in the U.S. as a key factor contributing to cartel violence in Mexico. She stated, "The other side also has to do its part. This consumption crisis they have over there also has to be addressed from a public health perspective, through education campaigns." During a phone call with Mr. Trump on Monday, Sheinbaum informed him that U.S. intervention in Mexico was unnecessary.
Recent U.S. Military Activities and Bilateral Discussions
President Sheinbaum addressed public concerns on Monday regarding two recent movements of the U.S. military in the vicinity of Mexico.
- FAA Advisory: On Friday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an advisory for U.S. aircraft operators to exercise caution over the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, citing "military activities." President Sheinbaum stated that her administration received written assurance from the U.S. government within hours that there would be no U.S. military flights over Mexican territory. The U.S. provided specific coordinates for its operations, and Mexican authorities stated the FAA advisory had no implications for Mexico. The U.S. government had not provided prior notification of these military operations.
- Toluca Airport Incident: Images of a U.S. military transport airplane at Toluca's airport, approximately 39 miles (63 kilometers) west of Mexico City, circulated on social media. Senator Clemente Castañeda requested an explanation, noting that the Mexican Senate typically approves foreign troop presence. Sheinbaum described the event as a "logistical" operation for training purposes, which did not require Senate approval. She stated that public servants boarded the plane for training in the U.S., and the operation was authorized by the Secretary of Defense, with her security cabinet confirming compliance with established protocols and bilateral agreements.
These incidents occurred amid heightened sensitivity following U.S. actions targeting Venezuela and renewed discussions regarding potential military action against drug cartels in Mexico. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente released a joint statement after a phone call, agreeing that "more must be done to confront shared threats." Security officials from both countries are scheduled to meet to strengthen security cooperation, counter cartels, and address the illicit flow of fentanyl and weapons across their shared border. Both governments continue to affirm their commitment to collaborating on security matters, with Mexico emphasizing its stance against violations of its sovereignty.