Former President Trump’s Remarks

Former President Donald Trump offered praise for Mexican President Claudia ⁢Sheinbaum,⁣ describing her as “a great woman” and “astonishing in certain aspects, very elegant, lovely,” in an exclusive‍ interview with the ‍ Daily Caller on September 1, 2024. However, he immediatly followed ⁢this praise with the assertion ‍that ⁤Mexico is “directed by the cartels.”

Trump’s comments came hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his first official⁤ visit to Mexico, where migration ⁢and security issues are expected⁢ to be central⁣ to discussions.

Concerns Over Border Security

When asked by Daily Caller journalist Reagan Reese if he trusted Mexico to reinforce the border, Trump initially complimented Sheinbaum before stating his belief that the country is effectively run by drug cartels. He‍ also claimed Sheinbaum declined his offer to send the‍ U.S. Army to Mexico, attributing this to‍ fear.

“I ⁤like the president very well… But Mexico is directed by the cartels. It is directed by the cartels.”

Donald trump, ‍via⁣ Daily Caller

Trump further stated, “I offered to send the army, and she doesn’t want us to⁤ do it… Because she is afraid. She is very afraid.”

Migratory Reform and Unofficial Portions of⁣ Interview

The former president indicated he had been⁢ working on a migratory reform, promising ⁢a solution that would “content everyone,” ⁤though he did not elaborate⁣ on specific details. The Daily Caller noted that portions of the⁣ interview were conducted ‍”off the record,” meaning the content of those exchanges has not‍ been publicly disclosed.