Trump Claims Sole Credit as Mexico Reels From Cartel Violence After ‘El Mencho’s’ Death
MEXICO CITY — The death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, has triggered a wave of violence in Mexico and a diplomatic ripple effect, with President Trump claiming full credit for the takedown despite Mexico’s central role.
The operation, which resulted in El Mencho’s death on Sunday, was lauded by Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday, where he declared, “We’ve also taken down one of the most sinister kingpins. You saw that yesterday.” The remark drew applause from Congress, but drew criticism from Mexican commentators.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, however, offered a different account. She told journalists Wednesday that a phone conversation with Trump on Monday, lasting approximately eight minutes, focused on the raid. Sheinbaum emphasized the “very well” cooperation between the two nations, but subtly contradicted Trump’s narrative. “We know President Trump,” she said, “But the information we have given is correct.”
While U.S. intelligence played a role in locating El Mencho – authorities tracked him to a wooded retreat in western Jalisco state by following a female companion – Mexican officials insist no American forces were on the ground.
The operation’s success came at a steep cost for Mexico. At least 25 National Guard troops were killed in clashes with cartel supporters following El Mencho’s death, marking the highest single-day casualty count for Mexican security forces in years. The violence spread across the country, sparking outrage on social media. “What cynicism from Trump,” one user posted on X. “Mexican heroes died!”
Sheinbaum has consistently resisted Trump’s offers of direct U.S. military intervention, citing concerns over Mexican sovereignty.
Trump, in his address, reiterated his long-held claim that “large parts of Mexico…have been controlled by murderous drug cartels” and credited U.S. efforts with reducing illicit drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. He did not mention Mexico’s own enforcement efforts, including the extradition of nearly 100 cartel suspects to the United States in the past year, or large-scale seizures of drugs and destruction of clandestine labs.
The differing narratives highlight a complex relationship between the two countries as Mexico continues to grapple with the fallout from El Mencho’s death and the ongoing struggle against powerful drug cartels.
