Trump suggests U.S. will begin to strike drug cartels in Mexico

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States will begin to strike drug cartels on land in Mexico, claiming the groups control the country, during a television interview.

Speaking Thursday night during an interview on Fox News’ Hannity, Trump said the United States has reduced drug trafficking by sea and will now focus on land routes.

“We knocked out 97% of the drugs coming in by water, and we are going to start now hitting land with regard with the cartels,” Trump said.

“The cartels are running Mexico,” Trump added. “It’s very sad to watch and see what’s happened to that country.”

The remarks follow comments earlier this week from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who rejected any U.S. military action against drug cartels operating in Mexico.

Speaking Monday at her daily press briefing in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said Mexico would cooperate with the United States on security matters only under conditions that respect Mexico’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is necessary to reaffirm that in Mexico, the people rule, and that we are a free, independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum said. “Cooperation, yes. Subordination and intervention, no.”

Asked about earlier remarks from Trump, Sheinbaum said he has raised the idea of U.S. military involvement in Mexico on several occasions, which her government has “firmly” rejected.

Trump: And we are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels. The cartels are running Mexico pic.twitter.com/o3TyQpMk7Z

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 9, 2026