Washington, January 9, 2026. Former US President Donald Trump has once again made a controversial and sharp statement regarding Mexico. Trump claimed that Mexico is not governed by its government but by drug cartels. His statement has sparked a new debate in international politics and intensified discussions about US-Mexico relations.

Following action on Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his administration will soon begin operations to target drug cartels on the ground.

In an interview, Trump claimed that drug cartels rule Mexico. This is causing the deaths of 250,000 to 300,000 people in the US every year.

He said that drug smuggling by sea has been stopped by 97%, so now action will be taken on land. However, he did not provide further details about the plans.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has given a strong response to Trump’s statements. Following Maduro’s arrest, she stated that the US does not own any region.

This statement comes at a time when the electoral atmosphere in the US is heating up and Trump is known for his aggressive politics. Analysts believe that by raising issues like Mexico and immigration, Trump is trying to consolidate his support base. Trump has previously made strong statements on issues like wall construction and border control concerning Mexico.

A strong reaction from Mexico to Trump’s statement is anticipated. The Mexican government has previously rejected such allegations and has consistently appealed to the US for dialogue with mutual respect. Experts say such statements can increase tension in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The issue of drug cartels has long been a sensitive aspect of US-Mexico relations. While Mexico speaks of efforts to combat organized crime, the US considers cross-border drug trafficking a major threat to its internal security. Trump’s statement has once again brought this complex problem into the headlines.

Overall, Donald Trump’s statement is not only fueling political controversy but could also impact US-Mexico relations and border security policy in the coming times. All eyes are now on how the Mexican government and US political leadership respond to this statement.

Washington

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 as a planned city to serve as the nation’s permanent seat of government. It is home to iconic landmarks like the White House and the U.S. Capitol, which were largely rebuilt after being burned by British forces during the War of 1812. Today, it stands as a global symbol of American democracy and history.

Mexico

Mexico is a country with a rich cultural history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztec, whose monumental sites, such as Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, remain today. Following Spanish colonization in the 16th century, a unique mestizo culture emerged, blending indigenous and European influences, which is vividly expressed in its food, art, and festivals like Día de los Muertos. Modern Mexico is a vibrant nation where these deep historical layers continue to shape its dynamic cities, traditions, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Venezuela

Venezuela is a South American country known for its diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. Historically, it was a Spanish colony until the early 19th century, when it became a leading force in the independence movement led by Simón Bolívar, eventually emerging as one of the continent’s first sovereign republics. Its modern culture reflects a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, though in recent decades it has faced significant political and economic challenges.

Claudia Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum is not a place or cultural site, but a prominent Mexican politician and scientist. She served as the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023 and was elected President of Mexico in 2024, making history as the first woman and the first person of Jewish heritage to hold the office. Her career has been marked by a background in environmental engineering and a focus on infrastructure and social programs in Mexico City.

Maduro

Madurodam is a miniature park and tourist attraction in The Hague, Netherlands, opened in 1952. It was established as a war memorial by the parents of George Maduro, a Jewish law student and Dutch cavalry officer who died at Dachau concentration camp after resisting Nazi occupation. The park features detailed 1:25 scale models of famous Dutch landmarks, castles, and infrastructure, celebrating the country’s history and engineering.

US

The United States is a relatively young nation, founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history is defined by westward expansion, waves of immigration, and a civil war that ended slavery, evolving into a global superpower with a diverse cultural landscape shaped by its indigenous peoples and countless immigrant groups.

Trump

“Trump” most commonly refers to Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), rather than a specific place or cultural site. His family name is historically associated with real estate development, most notably Trump Tower in New York City, a skyscraper completed in 1983 that served as the headquarters for The Trump Organization and a symbol of his brand. The name “Trump” in contemporary global culture is thus inextricably linked to his political career, business empire, and media presence.

Mexican government

The Mexican government is a federal republic established by its current constitution in 1917, following the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). It is structured with executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its history is deeply rooted in earlier indigenous civilizations, Spanish colonial rule (1521-1821), and the struggle for independence that began in 1810.