Ixtapaluca, Mexico — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and a “cool head” on Friday, responding to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of Mexico as the “epicenter” of cartel violence and his announcement of a regional military coalition.
Sheinbaum’s remarks came hours after Trump, speaking at a summit in Miami called “Shield of the Americas,” launched a verbal offensive against Mexico. Addressing regional leaders including Argentina’s Javier Milei, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Trump described Mexico as the cartel violence “epicenter” and announced a military coalition to combat the groups.
While Trump called Sheinbaum a “very good person,” he also stated she had rejected his help, warning that the United States would do “whatever is necessary” to defend its national security.
Upon arriving at CBTis 296 in Ixtapaluca to inaugurate a new high school campus, Sheinbaum briefly addressed reporters. “We’ll see on Monday, on Monday. Cool head,” the president said as she entered the event, postponing a detailed statement until her morning press conference on March 9.
Presidential sources reiterated that while Mexico remains open to coordination and intelligence sharing, it will not compromise its non-intervention policy or accept foreign military operations on national soil.
During the Ixtapaluca event, Sheinbaum contrasted Trump’s forceful rhetoric with her “addressing root causes” strategy, urging young people to avoid drugs and focus on education.
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