The relationship between the US and Mexico has become significantly more strained since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. On Tuesday, the US President reiterated his accusation that Mexico has been ruled by drug cartels for years. During a press conference, the Republican showed disappointment and offered his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum, help:
“I believe that Mexico is largely run by drug cartels and that’s sad. If they need help, we’d be happy to lend a hand.”
This was not the first time Trump made this accusation against Mexico. Before his inauguration, on January 7, he claimed that the Latin American country was led by drug cartels and was therefore in trouble.
Back then, Sheinbaum refuted this claim as false, while also expressing a willingness to cooperate with the neighboring country. Mexico is fighting against the lack of security, but Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico is a free and independent country.
Trump views the fight against illegal migration and the Fentanyl crisis in the US as a top priority, while Sheinbaum wants to reduce the smuggling of firearms into Mexico to disarm organized crime.
On February 1, the US President imposed a 25% import duty on Mexican goods by decree. On February 3, he postponed the measure by 30 days. In this time, further negotiations will take place to achieve an agreement, the Republican said. After a phone call with Trump, Sheinbaum stated that Mexico will strengthen its northern border with 10,000 soldiers. The US, in turn, has committed to combating illegal weapons trafficking.