The defense secretary threatened Mexico with unspecified "unilateral action" in a call with the country's leaders, according to a report.

The defense secretary’s closed-door comments have unnerved Mexican officials negotiating to avoid 25% tariffs

A conversation between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and senior Mexican officials has sparked tension. Mexican officials were outraged by the threat of military action from the US, states WSJ.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly warned Mexican officials last month that the US military was ready to take “unilateral action” against Mexico’s drug cartels if more isn’t done to stem the flow of fentanyl and migrants into the US.