Mexico Under Yoke of Cartels, Says Trump

ByMexico Solidarity

This article originally appeared in the September 2, 2025 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Mexico is controlled by cartels and that President Claudia Sheinbaum is “scared” and hasn’t accepted U.S. aid, in an exclusive interview with conservative outlet The Daily Caller published on September 1, 2025.

Despite calling Sheinbaum Pardo a “wonderful,” “elegant,” and “beautiful” woman, Trump asserted that the country is “run by the cartels.”

The President’s remarks came during a conversation with journalist Reagen Reese, who asked him about the United States’ confidence in Mexico’s ability to secure its border. “Well, I like the President a lot. I think she’s a terrific woman. She’s actually an incredible woman in some ways, very elegant, beautiful. But Mexico is run by the cartels. It’s run by the cartels,” Trump stated.

In the conversation, the US leader revealed that he had offered to send the US armed forces to the Mexican president to assist with security, but she had refused. When asked the reason for the refusal, Trump responded: “Because she’s scared. She’s very scared.”

“Please everyone” on Immigration Issues

The President also addressed the issue of “irregular” immigration. When asked if there were still plans to provide deportation exemptions for undocumented farmers and restaurant workers, Trump acknowledged the existence of a conflict between two groups of his supporters: those who oppose immigration at all costs and farmers who depend on migrant labor.

Trump noted that migrant workers in the agricultural sector “have been good and in many cases pay taxes.” Faced with this dichotomy, the President stated that his team is “working on legislation” that, in his opinion, “will please everyone.” He did not offer further details on the proposal.