Trump, Mexico’s Sheinbaum Clash Over Drug Cartel Policies

MEXICO CITY — President Trump is pressuring Mexico to permit greater U.S. military involvement in combating drug cartels, according to people familiar with the talks, making security a key point of contention as the two countries also negotiate trade and immigration.

Tensions escalated during a 45-minute phone call on April 16 between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, when Trump urged for U.S. forces to take a leading role against drug gangs smuggling fentanyl into the U.S., sources said. Sheinbaum agreed to cooperate on intelligence sharing but firmly rejected allowing a direct U.S. military presence, they added.