One day at a time: How Mexico's Sheinbaum dealt with a year of Trump

"We must seek dialogue in these tense moments; it is the best time for dialogue, said Sheinbaum, summarizing the strategy she has followed in the face of the worst specter of her administration: Trump and mass deportations; Trump and tariffs; Trump and fentanyl; Trump and the review of the USMCA trade agreement; Trump and the invasion of Venezuela; Trump and the threat of a military intervention on Mexican soil."

"The magnate's return to the White House a year ago forced Sheinbaum to rethink her governing plan, redefine her priorities, and align security strategy, economic policy, and domestic policy with the bilateral relationship the only one that stands out in an otherwise blurred foreign policy. It is an uncomfortable but unavoidable relationship, built day by day, one that cannot be resolved through hours of work between governments, 15 phone calls between leaders, or a single meeting, no matter how cordial it may have been."

Donald Trump's return to the White House created volatility that tested the Mexican government and upended assumptions underlying the National Development Plan. The U.S. president's unpredictability presented multiple bilateral risks, including mass deportations, tariffs, fentanyl pressure, a USMCA review, potential regional intervention, and threats of military action on Mexican soil. Claudia Sheinbaum shifted priorities to prioritize sustained dialogue, ongoing communication, and coordination with the U.S. administration. The Mexican government realigned security, economic, and domestic policy with bilateral imperatives. The relationship remains uncomfortable but unavoidable and requires continuous, day-by-day engagement to defend Mexico's interests.

Read at english.elpais.com