Doral, Florida — U.S. President Donald Trump singled out Mexico as the “epicenter of cartel violence” during a speech at the Americas Shield summit on Saturday, announcing a new military coalition to combat drug trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere.
Speaking at his Doral resort before leaders from several American countries, Trump claimed criminal groups are fueling most of the chaos and bloodshed in the region. He asserted that cartels “are taking control” of Mexico and “govern the country,” posing an unacceptable threat due to its proximity to the United States and other nations.
The Mexican government was not invited to the summit.
Trump announced the formation of the “Américas Counter Cartel Coalition,” which he said would use lethal force to dismantle drug cartels and criminal networks operating in the hemisphere. The coalition includes presidents from countries such as Argentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador, but Trump warned the U.S. is prepared to act alone if necessary, prioritizing national security over what he called Mexico’s failure to control drug trafficking.
The president specifically addressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, offering superficial praise by saying he likes her very much, that she is a good person with a beautiful voice and is a beautiful woman. However, he used these compliments to contrast with what he described as her refusal of his proposals for direct intervention against cartel leaders.
“I offered to eradicate the cartels,” Trump said, “and she responded with ‘no, no, no, please.'”
He lamented that rejection, repeating that forceful action is essential to end cartels as the situation worsens and criminal groups grow stronger. The White House shared official video capturing these statements, with Trump emphasizing the urgency of eradicating Mexican cartels’ influence to protect the hemisphere.
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