Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her administration is reviewing the possibility of filing a legal complaint against billionaire Elon Musk. The move follows public claims Musk made on his social media platform, X. In those posts, he suggested that Sheinbaum was under the influence of criminal organizations. Musk said the President was “just saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say.” Sheinbaum quickly rejected the accusation. She described the claim as “absurd” and “laughable.”
Sheinbaum Targets Elon Musk Over Cartel-Related Accusations
The statements sparked immediate controversy both in Mexico and abroad. Officials in President Sheinbaum’s administration argued that Elon Musk misrepresented an older video where she discussed security strategies, twisting her words out of context. Government sources said this misrepresentation undermines the work of Mexican authorities in tackling organized crime.
This incident has added tension to the ongoing national debate over crime and governance. Authorities insist that the video was part of a broader discussion on security theory and was not linked to any cartel activity. They emphasized that taking it out of context could mislead the public about the government’s efforts to restore safety and order.
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Political allies have rallied around Sheinbaum. Luisa Alcalde, a prominent Morena party leader, stated that wealth and public influence do not give anyone moral authority to spread misinformation. She called the claims linking the President to organized crime “baseless and politically motivated,” defending Sheinbaum’s integrity amid the public dispute.
The Context: El Mencho’s Death and Security Operations
The timing of Elon Musk’s statements came shortly after a major operation by Mexican security forces. On Sunday, authorities killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a central figure in organized crime.
Following this high-profile operation, officials said Musk’s remarks created confusion about the government’s achievements in combating crime. Security experts noted that the video Musk referenced was part of a broader discussion on security strategies and was not connected to cartel activity.
To prevent potential retaliation from criminal groups, the Mexican government deployed additional military and National Guard troops to states such as Jalisco and Michoacán. These forces aim to restore order and ensure the safety of local communities.
Authorities emphasized that public safety and stability remain the top priorities. The troop deployment is a precautionary measure to maintain the government’s efforts against organized crime and prevent further violence in key regions.
Ongoing Legal and Political Tensions
This dispute adds to a series of legal and political tensions between President Claudia Sheinbaum and Elon Musk’s companies. Earlier, Sheinbaum’s administration clashed with Elon Musk over environmental concerns linked to SpaceX launches near the Texas-Mexico border. Those disputes focused on alleged contamination affecting northern Mexican communities.
Legal experts say filing a defamation case against Musk could be difficult due to his international status. Still, the Mexican Embassy in the U.S. has launched a campaign clarifying that Musk’s accusations were based on outdated and recycled videos. The effort aims to correct misinformation online and protect Mexico’s reputation abroad.
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Elon Musk has also echoed rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing Mexican leaders and calling them “petrified” of criminal cartels. Sheinbaum, however, continues to promote a combined approach of law enforcement and social programs to prevent crime. Her administration emphasizes maintaining peace and security without relying solely on military force.
Authorities and Sheinbaum’s team are monitoring whether Musk’s comments could influence public perception of Mexico’s crime-fighting abilities. This high-profile clash between a national leader and a global entrepreneur shines a spotlight on crime, governance, and social responsibility, keeping Mexico’s commitment to public safety at the center of attention.