Trump Confirms He Offered to Send US Troops to Mexico to Fight Cartels

The president’s comment comes after Mexico’s leader said she rebuffed his offer.

(Left) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum listens to a question during her daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Nov. 6, 2024; (Right) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 29, 2025. Alfredo Estrella, Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump on May 4 confirmed reports that he made an offer to send U.S. troops to Mexico to fight the country’s drug cartels, after the Mexican president said she declined the offer.

“It’s true,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil!”