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In her public appearances and on social media, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has emerged as a symbol of resistance to the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics. She has delivered defiant speeches to large audiences. In response to Trump’s provocative “Gulf of America” remark, she showcased an antique map at a press conference, labeling much of what is now the United States as “Mexican America.”
Her strategies seem to have gained her respect. Unlike many U.S. allies, Mexico has largely avoided Trump’s typical verbal onslaughts. While Canada faces daily mockery, and Trump has threatened to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone, he has praised Sheinbaum, calling her “tough” and “a wonderful woman.” Vice President J. D. Vance, who previously suggested military actions against Mexico, has notably fallen silent.
What is Sheinbaum’s secret? How is she managing to protect her country from the Trump administration’s pressure?
The answer, contrary to popular belief, lies in her strategy of appeasement. The lack of criticism from Mexico’s political opposition and independent media toward her compliance with Trump’s demands allows this policy to go unchecked. However, the results speak for themselves.
President Trump has made six significant demands of Mexico, all of which Sheinbaum has met:
- Increased Mexican cooperation on immigration enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Acceptance of individuals deported from the United States, including non-Mexican nationals.
- A more militarized approach to drug interdiction.
- A new tariff regime favoring U.S. manufacturing over Mexican production.
- Participation in U.S. trade actions against China.
- A submissive stance towards U.S. demands.
Firstly, Mexico’s efforts have effectively helped Trump control border crossings. In February, apprehensions at the border fell below 9,000, the lowest monthly total since the 1960s. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that U.S. border authorities are apprehending nearly 95% of potential crossers, indicating that successful crossings have reached a historic low.
Sheinbaum has played a crucial role in this reduction, detaining nearly 500,000 migrants en route to the United States in the latter part of 2024. However, the conditions in Mexican detention centers are dire, often overcrowded and lacking basic necessities, serving as a powerful deterrent to potential immigrants.
During her campaign, many immigrants hoped for a more lenient approach from Sheinbaum. Instead, she has aligned her policies with Trump’s directives.
Additionally, she has implemented a new program to assist Mexicans deported by the U.S., providing them with identity documents and access to healthcare upon their return. Sheinbaum has also shown a willingness to accept non-Mexican deportees and assist in their repatriation.
Trump’s demand for a militarized drug policy has posed a significant challenge for Sheinbaum. Historically, the Mexican left has opposed militarization of drug enforcement. However, under pressure, Sheinbaum has extradited 29 cartel leaders to the U.S. and permitted U.S. drone surveillance operations within Mexico.
Moreover, she has complied with Trump’s tariff demands, refraining from retaliatory tariffs that Canada has enacted. Instead, Mexico has taken a more passive approach, hinting that they may soon change course.
Sheinbaum’s administration has also offered to align Mexican tariffs with those imposed by the U.S. on Chinese exports, further solidifying her compliance with Trump’s agenda.
Lastly, she has ensured a respectful demeanor towards Trump, refraining from publicly contradicting him, garnering praise from the U.S. President.
While Sheinbaum’s willingness to cooperate with Trump may be viewed as good diplomacy, it raises the question: has this strategy truly shielded Mexico from Trump’s economic warfare? The answer is complex; while Mexico has retained some economic advantages, it remains vulnerable to ongoing threats from the Trump administration.
Sheinbaum’s approach, rooted in appeasement, may not be replicable by other democratic nations. Her ability to comply with Trump’s demands stems from her control over an increasingly autocratic regime, limited political opposition, and a tightly controlled media landscape.
In contrast, Canada’s leaders face political competition, leading to more vocal opposition against Trump’s tactics. Sheinbaum’s political strength grants her the latitude to concede to Trump’s pressure without immediate electoral repercussions.
Ultimately, while Sheinbaum’s appeasement of Trump may be the least unfavorable approach for Mexico, it should not be mischaracterized as a form of brave resistance against U.S. aggression.
