Washington, 5 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that he proposed sending US troops across the border into Mexico to help its neighbour fight drug trafficking, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejecting the idea.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump, in a mid-April phone call, pressured Sheinbaum to let armed US forces take a leading role in fighting Mexican drug gangs smuggling fentanyl into the US.

Sheinbaum on Saturday commented on the article in remarks to supporters, describing the call.

"He said: 'How can we help in your fight against drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.' And you know what I said? 'No, President Trump. The territory is inviolable, sovereignty is inviolable, sovereignty is not for sale'," Sheinbaum said.

The Mexican president went on to say that it was "not necessary" for US troops to enter Mexico. "We can collaborate, we can work together, but you in your territory, we in ours."

Trump on Sunday also confirmed the exchange.

"Mexico is saying that I offered to send US troops into Mexico to take care of the cartels... is that true?" Trump said on board the Air Force One, repeating a reporter's question.

"Do you think I'm going to answer that question," Trump initially responded before continuing: "I will answer it. It's true."

Trump went on to say that Mexico should allow the US to send troops to the country. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honoured to go in and do it. I told [Sheinbaum] that, I would be honoured to go in and do it."

Asked why Sheinbaum rejected his offer, Trump claimed that she is "so afraid of the cartels she can't walk."

"The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight," Trump said.

MIA file photo