Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly criticized President Trump’s 25% tariffs during her news conference, asserting that her government rejects his negative portrayal of Mexico. She announced a scheduled call with Trump and warned of retaliatory measures if the tariffs persist. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s efforts in combating drug trafficking, countering Trump’s “fentanyl argument” by stressing the U.S. must also take responsibility for its opioid crisis. She highlighted Mexico’s recent successes in security cooperation, insisting that her country deserves respect, not subordination. She urged unity among Mexicans to confront the challenge and defend their sovereignty.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, remained silent overnight. However, she opened her daily news conference on Tuesday morning with a sharply-phrased statement, asserting that her administration rejected President Donald Trump’s portrayal of Mexico. She strongly condemned the 25 percent tariffs he had imposed just hours before.
President Sheinbaum disclosed that Mexican officials had a call scheduled with Mr. Trump for Thursday, cautioning that if the tariffs continued, Mexico would announce countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs, by Sunday.
“We do not wish to engage in a trade war,” she stated. “Such conflicts only harm the people.”
While listing Mexico’s recent achievements in combating drug trafficking and more — aligning with Mr. Trump’s request to prevent tariffs — Ms. Sheinbaum dismissed what she termed the “fentanyl argument” used by Mr. Trump to rationalize the imposition of tariffs.
“For humanitarian reasons,” her statement noted, “we work together to curb the illegal trafficking of drugs into the United States. Nonetheless, as we have consistently communicated, the government of that nation must also take accountability for the opioid crisis that has resulted in numerous fatalities in the United States.”
Her statement highlighted what she claimed were her government’s efforts in areas where Mr. Trump sought changes, specifically the seizure of drugs and weapons and the extradition of close to three dozen cartel leaders to the United States, which she stated had been “recently transferred to the United States for the benefit of security for both countries.”
“We are resolute,” asserted Ms. Sheinbaum. “There is no reason, justification, or excuse that validates this decision, which will impact our people and our nations. We have expressed it in multiple ways: cooperation and coordination, yes; subjugation and interventionism, no. Mexico deserves respect.”
She concluded by calling for her country to unite in the face of the crisis. “I urge the people of Mexico, all of you, to confront this challenge together, to remain united,” Ms. Sheinbaum urged. “I reiterate: it is time to defend Mexico and its sovereignty. We must remain vigilant and composed. Keep cool heads.”