The statement follows a report that Trump has secretly authorised use of military force against Latin American drug cartels.

Donald Trump has ordered US army officials to begin using military force against drug cartels. The extraordinary move has threatened a diplomatic row with Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican president, insisting US forces will not enter the country.

The Pentagon has been deliberating since early this year about naval and drone strikes against Mexican cartels. But U.S. boots on the ground are not being considered, officials say.