After capo's slaying, Trump asks Mexican president: 'What's going on?' - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Patrick J. McDonnellFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum after the U.S. military operation that resulted in the death of cartel leader "El Mencho," a high-profile figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. During their eight-minute conversation, Trump asked about the situation in Mexico and praised the success of the operation. However, he did not acknowledge Mexico's central role in the raid, despite U.S. intelligence playing a key part. Mexican officials were angered by Trump's claim of sole credit during his State of the Union address, which sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Mexican commentators criticized Trump for ignoring the significant sacrifices made by Mexican security forces, including 25 National Guard troops killed in the aftermath of the raid. The operation, conducted with Mexican consent but without direct U.S. ground involvement, led to violent reprisals from cartel supporters across Mexico. Sheinbaum downplayed Trump's version of events, emphasizing that Mexico's information was accurate and asserting that direct U.S. military action would violate Mexican sovereignty.
While some saw Trump's strong-arm tactics as effective pressure on Mexico to confront cartels, others viewed his actions as disrespectful to Mexican heroes and its sovereignty. The incident highlights the delicate balance of cooperation and national pride in the ongoing fight against drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. This story matters because it underscores the complex dynamics between the two nations in their joint efforts to combat organized crime and the challenges of maintaining bilateral relations while addressing shared security concerns.
The debate over credit for El Mencho's takedown also raises questions about how both countries can collaborate effectively without undermining each other's sovereignty or public perception. As the U.S. continues to push for stronger action against cartels, Mexico faces the dual challenge of asserting its independence while working with a neighboring power that often views the issue through a different lens. This tension will likely shape future cooperation and policy decisions in the region.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026