AC15• Jan 12, 2026• 44:10Interview

FULL REMARKS: Mexican President Sheinbaum Updates After “Good Conversation” with Trump | AC15

From AC15

Claudia Sheinbaum•President of Mexico

Executive Summary

Mexican President Sheinbaum reported on a call with U.S.
President Trump, highlighting successful security cooperation, including a 50% reduction in fentanyl crossings and a 40% drop in Mexican homicides.
Mexico firmly reiterated its stance on national sovereignty, rejecting any possibility of U.S.
military intervention and opposing the classification of drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
The conversation, described as respectful, underscored the importance of direct dialogue to manage the complex bilateral relationship, despite fundamental disagreements.
Key priorities for Mexico in the relationship are the upcoming revision of the USMCA trade agreement and the resolution of U.S.
Section 232 tariffs on automobiles and aluminum.

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Concerns Raised

Potential for U.S. military intervention or violation of Mexican sovereignty.
U.S. pressure to classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
Ongoing U.S. Section 232 tariffs on Mexican automobiles and aluminum.
The treatment and rhetoric surrounding Mexican migrants in the United States.

Opportunities Identified

Building on recent successes in reducing fentanyl trafficking to deepen security cooperation.
Leveraging the upcoming USMCA review to strengthen North American trade.
Utilizing direct leadership dialogue to manage tensions and prevent misunderstandings.
Collaborating on reducing the flow of illegal arms from the U.S. into Mexico.

Key Themes

U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation

The discussion centered on the positive outcomes of joint security efforts, particularly the significant reduction in fentanyl trafficking and related deaths in the U.S., as well as a major decrease in homicides within Mexico. This cooperation is framed as a partnership based on intelligence sharing and mutual respect.

This theme highlights the tangible results of bilateral efforts to combat transnational organized crime, which directly impacts public health and safety in both nations.

Defense of National Sovereignty

A dominant theme was Mexico's unwavering defense of its sovereignty. President Sheinbaum was explicit in rejecting U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil and disagreeing with the U.S. push to label cartels as terrorist groups, viewing it as a potential justification for intervention.

This principle is a cornerstone of Mexican foreign policy and a critical factor in domestic politics, setting clear boundaries for the nature and extent of U.S. involvement in Mexico's internal security affairs.

Bilateral Diplomacy and Dialogue

The president repeatedly emphasized the value of direct, personal communication between leaders to clarify positions, manage disagreements, and maintain a functional relationship. The call itself was initiated by Mexico to address recent U.S. rhetoric and ensure clear understanding.

In a relationship often marked by public tension, this underscores the strategic importance of high-level diplomatic channels to de-escalate conflict and advance mutual interests.

Economic and Trade Priorities

Beyond security, the conversation touched upon critical economic issues. Mexico identified the revision of the USMCA (T-MEC) trade agreement and the removal of U.S. Section 232 tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum as its top two priorities in the bilateral relationship.

The economic interdependence of the U.S. and Mexico is immense, and these trade negotiations will have significant impacts on North American supply chains, manufacturing, and overall economic stability.

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Topics

U.S.-Mexico Relations National Sovereignty Counter-Narcotics Fentanyl Trafficking Security Cooperation Diplomacy International Trade USMCA T-MEC Tariffs Section 232 Tariffs Foreign Policy Military Intervention Organized Crime Homicide Reduction

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