Mexican (The COW News Digital) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to US President Donald Trump’s remarks accusing Mexico of being a major hub for drug trafficking, pointing to the broader cross-border challenges affecting both countries.
Speaking after Trump called for stronger action against drug cartels during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Sheinbaum said Mexico could also point to the high level of illegal drug consumption in the United States.
She said living next to a country with such high levels of illegal drug use is also difficult, making a reference to the demand for illicit drugs in the US market.
Trump had urged Mexico to take further action against criminal cartels and argued that the Mexican government should eliminate their control over parts of the country. His comments have added to continuing discussions between Washington and Mexico City over drug trafficking, organized crime and border security.
In response, Sheinbaum said she could also criticize the United States over its high levels of weapons production, but chose not to do so because cooperation between the two neighboring countries remains important.
Her remarks highlighted Mexico’s position that the drug trade and organized crime cannot be viewed solely as a Mexican problem. Mexican authorities have repeatedly pointed to the demand for illegal drugs in the United States as a major factor driving trafficking networks.
Sheinbaum also referred to the flow of firearms from the United States into Mexico, suggesting that weapons moving south across the border contribute to the security challenges faced by Mexico.
The comments reflect the complex nature of relations between the two North American neighbors, where drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, border security and trade remain closely connected issues.
While Trump has emphasized the responsibility of Mexican authorities to confront cartels operating within the country, the Mexican government has stressed the need for cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing cross-border crime.
Sheinbaum’s latest comments came as both governments continue to navigate disagreements over security and law enforcement while maintaining cooperation on several bilateral issues.
The Mexican president’s response also underscored her government’s preference for addressing the issue through cooperation rather than escalating public criticism between the two countries.
The exchange comes amid continued debate over how Washington and Mexico City should tackle the illegal drug trade and organized crime. Both sides have acknowledged the need for greater security cooperation, although they have differed over the causes of the problem and the responsibilities of each country.
Sheinbaum’s remarks therefore place the issue within a wider cross-border context, emphasizing drug demand in the United States and the movement of firearms into Mexico alongside the trafficking networks operating across the region.
