​​​​​​​MEXICO CITY

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied a breakdown Tuesday in relations with the US following President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy military troops in Mexico to fight drug cartels.

He also claimed that Sheinbaum is "afraid of the cartels."

Trump was asked Sunday whether he offered to send military forces into Mexican territory to combat drug trafficking. Confirming the proposal, Trump said Sheinbaum rejected the offer, suggesting her decision was based on fear.

“She is so afraid of the cartels she can’t walk,” said Trump.

When asked at a media briefing if the remarks could signal a diplomatic rupture, Sheinbaum denied a fracture.

“So far, with the current dynamics and with President Trump's administration, there has been very good communication and mutual respect,” she said.

Sheinbaum, however, emphasized that repeated suggestions to deploy US troops in Mexico remain unacceptable.

“From the first calls I had with President Trump, he kindly asked, ‘How can we help you?’ That’s been his question several times. He has made suggestions, but we’ve made it clear that certain proposals are not acceptable to us,” she said.

Sheinbaum said the main concerns are fentanyl trafficking and smuggling firearms into Mexico. On the latter point, she praised Trump’s commitment to address gun trafficking -- acknowledging the role US firearms play in cartel-related violence in Mexico.

“It is historic -- this statement made by President Trump two or three days ago promising a firm stance against the smuggling of weapons from the United States to Mexico,” said Sheinbaum.​​​​​​​