The President of Mexico has threatened legal action against Elon Musk after he accused her of being linked to drug cartels.
The tech tycoon responded to a 2025 video of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence, claiming she was “saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say”.
It comes after the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho", by Mexico's security forces.
Speaking at her daily morning press conference, Mrs Sheinbaum said she was considering whether to pursue legal action.
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She added that government lawyers were reviewing the case, though acknowledged she could face challenges bringing a defamation claim in the US due to strong free speech protections.
In the 2025 video, Mrs Sheinbaum said a return to a “war on drugs” was not possible.
She said: "Returning to the war on drugs is not an option... it is outside the framework of the law."
Former president Felipe Calderón launched “Operation Michoacán” in December 2006, triggering years of violence and clashes between cartels and military forces.
Claudia Sheinbaum at her daily press briefing, where she said legal action against Elon Musk was being considered
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Elon Musk alleged that Claudia Sheinbaum was just 'saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say'
|GETTY
Mrs Sheinbaum said security would continue to stabilise following cartel violence linked to the death of Oseguera, and ruled out a renewed military-style crackdown.
"The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war," she said.
Morena Party president Luisa Alcalde also responded to Mr Musk’s post, urging the SpaceX chief to use his platform and social media network X to combat drug consumption, addiction, disinformation and the promotion of narco culture.
She said: "Wealth does not give moral authority.
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Some of the aftermath of the cartel violence and blockades and arson in Mexico
|REUTERS
"The lives that are lost in this fight, often fueled by consumption in other countries, are worth infinitely more than any fortune amassed in Silicon Valley."
Cartel-led violence continues across at least 20 Mexican states.
Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have blockaded roads using spikes and nails, hijacked buses and other vehicles before setting them alight, and carried out arson attacks on local businesses including banks and pharmacies.
The killing of cartel leader “El Mencho” was reportedly achieved by tracking the movements of one of his romantic partners.
Six cartel members were killed during the operation, while three members of the Mexican military were injured.
At least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard have died in Jalisco state since the violence escalated.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said 30 CJNG members had also been killed, along with a prison guard and an official from the state prosecutor’s office.
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