Elon Musk Accuses Mexican President of Cartel Links; Legal Action Considered

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says she is considering legal action following claims by tech billionaire Elon Musk alleging she has links to drug cartels.

Musk made the allegation in a post on X, responding to a 2025 video in which Sheinbaum discussed cartel-related violence. In the post, Musk claimed the Mexican leader was “saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say,” without providing any evidence.

Speaking at her daily morning press conference, President Sheinbaum said government lawyers are reviewing the matter and legal options are being considered.

The comments came after Mexican security forces captured and killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, also known as El Mencho.

Legal experts note that pursuing a defamation case against Musk in the United States could prove difficult due to strong free speech protections. To succeed, Sheinbaum would need to demonstrate that Musk knowingly made false claims or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

In the video referenced by Musk, Sheinbaum stated that a return to a full-scale “war on drugs” was not viable, saying it fell outside the framework of the law. She reiterated that her administration is seeking peace, not war, despite recent violence triggered by security operations against cartel figures.

Meanwhile, ruling MORENA Party President Luisa Alcalde criticized Musk’s remarks, urging him to use his platform to combat drug consumption, disinformation, and the promotion of narco culture.

“Wealth does not give moral authority,” Alcalde said, noting that Mexico continues to grapple with cartel-related violence, with more than 130,000 people reported missing nationwide.