Special Poll
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has refuted President-elect Donald Trump’s recent claim that Mexico has agreed to close its border with the United States “effective immediately.”
In a statement posted Wednesday evening on social platform X, Sheinbaum clarified, “In our conversation with President Trump, I explained Mexico’s comprehensive strategy to address migration while respecting human rights.” Her remarks directly contradicted Trump’s earlier post on Truth Social, where he claimed, “Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately… This will go a long way toward stopping the illegal invasion of the USA.”
While Trump described their conversation as “productive,” Sheinbaum maintained that Mexico’s approach is based on collaboration and mutual respect, not unilateral border closures. She acknowledged the dialogue between the two leaders, calling it an “excellent conversation,” but emphasized that Mexico’s policies prioritize managing migration with dignity and building partnerships rather than imposing barriers.
The discussions also took place amidst Trump’s announcement of a proposed executive order to impose new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. Trump suggested that these measures, including a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, aim to pressure these countries to strengthen border security and combat the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
Sheinbaum responded firmly, warning that retaliatory tariffs could escalate economic tensions. “One tariff would be followed by another in response, putting shared business interests at risk,” she said. She also reiterated Mexico’s commitment to addressing migration at its roots by offering assistance to migrants and caravans before they reach the U.S. border.
“Mexico’s position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and peoples,” Sheinbaum stated, underscoring her administration’s focus on cooperation and long-term solutions rather than confrontation.
These developments highlight the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Mexico relations as both nations navigate migration, trade, and security issues under new leadership.