President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have struck an optimistic tone following a phone call on Wednesday, describing their discussion as “wonderful” and “very productive.” The upbeat exchanges came just days after Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods over concerns about migration and drug trafficking, sparking a sharp response from Sheinbaum.
Migration and Border Security Take Center Stage
Trump announced on Truth Social that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop migration through Mexico, effectively aiming to close the U.S. southern border. “She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico and into the United States,” Trump stated.
However, Sheinbaum’s statement on X painted a slightly different picture. While she highlighted Mexico’s efforts to manage migration, including addressing migrant caravans, she did not confirm any new commitments to halt migration entirely.
“I shared with him that the migrant caravans are no longer reaching the border because they are being dealt with in Mexico,” Sheinbaum wrote.
Tackling the Drug Trade
The leaders also focused on combating the illegal drug trade, which has been a longstanding source of tension between the two nations. Trump emphasized the need to curb both the supply of drugs from Mexico and U.S. drug consumption, calling their discussion a “productive conversation.”
Sheinbaum echoed these sentiments, signaling her administration’s willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on addressing the flow of narcotics across the border.
A Thaw in Relations?
The phone call marks a potential thaw in relations after a week of escalating rhetoric. Trump’s tariff threat prompted Sheinbaum to warn of retaliatory measures, raising fears of a trade conflict between the neighboring countries.
While the details of their agreements remain unclear, the cordial tone suggests an attempt to ease tensions and seek common ground on critical issues like migration and drugs.
COMMENTS