U.S. Leaves Door Open for Mexico in Anti-Cartel Alliance

Washington, D.C. — The United States denied on Saturday that Mexico is excluded from a new military coalition to combat drug cartels, saying the door remains open for future participation. The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump launched the “Shield of the Americas” alliance with a dozen right-leaning Latin American leaders.

“It is not a closed door. It is an opportunity to recognize countries that from the first day of President Trump’s administration have put on the jersey and aligned themselves,” said Natalia Molano, the Spanish-language spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, when questioned about Mexico’s absence from the coalition.

Molano stated that there will be “an opportunity to expand” the alliance in the future by demonstrating the results it achieves.

During a summit held at a Trump golf course in Florida, the Republican president signed a proclamation creating the “Shield of the Americas.” Trump said its objective is to use “lethal military force to destroy” cartels.

Participants in the Alliance

The meeting included leaders ideologically aligned with Trump from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Progressive governments, including those of Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, were not invited.

In his speech, Trump criticized Mexico, which he described as the “epicenter of cartel violence.” He said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is “a very good person and has a beautiful voice,” but criticized her for not allowing the United States to militarily attack drug traffickers on Mexican soil.

According to Molano, the U.S. president “made an offer to the leaders in the room” that “if they request U.S. military assistance to combat drug trafficking, they will have it.”

The spokesperson emphasized that the alliance is based on “the sovereignty and rule of law” of each country but noted that “the U.S. offer is on the table.”