Mexico’s president is praised at home for handling Trump. But she must walk a fine line

Mexico appears to be navigating a delicate balance in its relationship with the Trump administration, as it seeks to address U.S. concerns about fentanyl-trafficking cartels while also asserting its sovereignty and independence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has emerged as a strong and popular leader, with approval ratings hovering around 80 percent. She has adopted a calm, firm tone in her dealings with the U.S., refusing to bow to pressure while also addressing Mexico’s grievances, particularly regarding the smuggling of U.S. arms into the country.

Sheinbaum recently sent a bill to Congress that would amend the Mexican Constitution to impose severe punishments for anyone who violates Mexican sovereignty, sending a clear message to U.S. Republicans who have called for military intervention in Mexico. She has emphasized that designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations does not give the U.S. the right to interfere in Mexico’s affairs.

Mexico’s approach has been met with approval from the financial markets, with the country’s stock market index rising seven percent since Trump’s inauguration. While tariffs may still be a possibility, Sheinbaum’s strategy of cracking down on cartels while defending Mexico’s interests has been seen as prudent by many observers.

Sheinbaum’s policy marks a departure from her predecessor’s “hugs not bullets” approach to organized crime, as she has called for the prosecution of those who finance and arm cartels, including individuals and entities based in the U.S. She has also vowed to pursue legal action against U.S. gunmakers and has cited statistics showing that a majority of arms seized from Mexican cartels originate in the U.S.

The recent capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, has led to a fracturing of the organization, with open warfare breaking out between rival factions. Mexican law enforcement has capitalized on the internal strife within the cartel to target its members, resulting in significant arrests and seizures of drugs, weapons, and ammunition.

While Sheinbaum’s approach has shown progress in the fight against cartels, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The Trump administration has given mixed signals about its stance on Mexico, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting that progress is being made in addressing U.S. concerns.

As Mexico continues to navigate its complex relationship with the U.S., Sheinbaum’s leadership and strategic approach have garnered widespread support from the Mexican public. By addressing U.S. concerns while defending Mexico’s interests and sovereignty, she has positioned herself as a strong and effective leader in the face of external threats and pressures.