Commonwealth_ In a recent announcement, US President Donald Trump revealed the decision to postpone tariffs on Mexico for another month, accompanied by a rare gesture of praise for his Mexican counterpart, President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for President Sheinbaum,” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the border.”
Trump’s warm acknowledgment contrasts sharply with his ongoing verbal attacks on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him mockingly as “Governor Trudeau” and referring to Canada as “the 51st State.” The tense exchanges between the US and Canada have escalated, with Trudeau labeling the tariffs policy as “dumb” and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent firing back by calling Trudeau a “numbskull.” The differing treatment of Mexico and Canada highlights the strikingly different dynamics in Trump’s relationships with the two neighboring countries. Many observers credit Sheinbaum’s diplomatic approach for fostering a smoother rapport with the unpredictable US president. Her steady, calm response to Trump’s rhetoric appears to have resonated.
Since taking office, Sheinbaum has consistently urged Mexicans to “remain calm” regarding Trump’s threats, asserting that “cooler heads will prevail.” Her approach has so far paid off. Twice in the past two months, she has successfully negotiated with Trump, avoiding sweeping 25% tariffs on Mexican goods through last-minute phone calls despite Trump initially declaring there was “no room” for compromise.
Sheinbaum’s diplomacy has been evident in her actions. Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 troops to the US-Mexico border in February, addressing Trump’s concerns about undocumented immigration. Her administration has also extradited 29 drug cartel members, or “expelled” them, as her government prefers to phrase it, to the US to face charges ranging from murder to money laundering. These initiatives included the high-profile extradition of Rafael Caro Quintero, a drug lord wanted by US authorities since the 1980s.
In a strategic maneuver, Sheinbaum has not only accommodated Trump’s demands but also refocused attention on the United States. She has repeatedly asked a pointed question: where do the weapons used by Mexican cartels originate? She has called on the US to curb the flow of guns into Mexico and address the demand for illegal drugs, reminding the world that while Latin America may supply the drugs, the primary market remains in the United States.
Interestingly, Trump’s recent designation of six Mexican cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” could further strengthen Sheinbaum’s stance. Her government is currently pursuing a legal battle against US gun manufacturers for negligence. If these cartels are considered terrorist groups rather than mere criminals, Sheinbaum has hinted that Mexico may expand its lawsuit to accuse US weapons-makers of “complicity” in aiding terrorism.
Despite her solid start, experts caution against premature celebrations. Mexican economist Valeria Moy noted, “I think she has played the hand she has been dealt pretty well. I’m not sure it’s time for celebration just yet. But I think she has done what she can in the face of the threat of tariffs. It makes little sense for either side to enter into a trade war.”
Indeed, the stakes are significant. Although Sheinbaum has skillfully navigated her early interactions with Trump, the volatility surrounding tariffs could still push the Mexican economy toward recession. The Mexican peso weakened again during the latest round of tariff talks, signaling market concerns about the unpredictability of US-Mexico trade relations. For now, Sheinbaum’s success lies in striking a delicate balance: refusing to yield on unreasonable demands while maintaining a cooperative yet firm stance with the Trump administration. She has also chosen her battles wisely. When Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” Sheinbaum refrained from engaging in the theatrics, recognizing that such rhetoric is unlikely to gain global traction.
