United States President Donald Trump is urging Mexico to allow American forces to combat drug cartels operating within Mexican territory, with a specific focus on those involved in the illegal fentanyl trade. The request has become a point of contention between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump reportedly proposed that the U.S. take a more direct and active role in dismantling cartel operations south of the border. However, Sheinbaum firmly rejected the idea of a U.S. military presence on Mexican soil, though she indicated a willingness to cooperate on intelligence sharing and other forms of non-military support.

The disagreement reportedly escalated during a 45-minute phone conversation between the two leaders. The proposal sparked diplomatic friction as both nations balance concerns over sovereignty, security, and the ongoing drug crisis.

In a recent interview with the Spanish-language edition of Fox News, President Trump emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Mexico is very, very afraid of the cartels.” He added, “We want to help her [Sheinbaum]. We want to help Mexico, because you can't run a country like that.”

The exchange marks a renewed push by Trump to prioritize cross-border security cooperation, though it remains uncertain how far Mexico will go in accommodating U.S. involvement without compromising its own authority. The broader implications of the call could shape the future of bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking in North America.