Mexican president rejects allegations after Trump reposts commentary attacking her government’s security policies.
U.S. President Donald Trump shared an opinion article on Truth Social criticizing Mexico’s government and its handling of organized crime, prompting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to reject the allegations, defend her administration’s security record and reaffirm the country’s sovereignty.
Trump Amplifies Criticism of Mexico
The opinion piece, written by conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly and originally published on March 11, claims that Mexico is not a friend of the United States and accuses successive Mexican governments of decades of corruption without presenting evidence.
The article also alleges that Sheinbaum has prevented U.S. agencies from operating in Mexico and dismisses the Mexican government’s longstanding position that U.S. drug demand and the illegal flow of firearms contribute significantly to violence in the country.
Asked by reporters about Trump’s decision to share the article, Sheinbaum responded briefly during the launch of construction of the New Oaxaca Hospital in the state capital.
“We are friends with the whole world, with the whole world. And courage means defending sovereignty. That’s all. Thank you.”
Sheinbaum Reiterates Call to Curb Arms Trafficking
Speaking separately during the “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” program at the Basilica of Guadalupe, Sheinbaum said that 75% of firearms seized or voluntarily surrendered in Mexico originate in the United States.
“Most of the weapons come from our northern neighbor, the United States, and cross our border illegally to spread violence and take lives in Mexico.”
She added that while Mexico works every day to prevent drugs from reaching the United States, Washington must also act to halt the illegal flow of weapons that fuels violence in Mexico.
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico has consistently urged the United States to strengthen efforts against firearms smuggling. In February 2026, Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla said that up to 78% of weapons confiscated from organized crime groups had been legally purchased from gun stores in Arizona, California and Texas before ending up in Mexico.
President Defends Security Record
Sheinbaum also responded to separate allegations by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terry Cole, who accused the Mexican government of maintaining ties to drug trafficking organizations.
The president questioned both the timing and the basis of the accusations, noting that they coincided with the release of her administration’s latest security report, which showed a 48% decline in intentional homicides between September 2024 and June 2026.
“If a government is linked to a criminal group, crimes cannot decrease. That is a contradiction. If there is a link, crime increases, and the best demonstration is the administration of Felipe Calderón.”
She contrasted the current security situation with the 2006-2012 administration, which she said was marked by rising violence.
Defending her government’s anti-crime strategy, Sheinbaum said Mexican security forces have arrested 59,582 people, seized 31,366 firearms and confiscated nearly 500 metric tons of narcotics, including 2,363 kilograms of fentanyl and 5,546,100 fentanyl tablets.
She argued that the decline in homicides contradicts the allegations made by the DEA and reiterated that the United States must also address domestic factors contributing to organized crime.
“As we have said many times, the United States must look at itself, particularly regarding drug consumption and the distribution and laundering of money in the United States related to drug trafficking.”
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