Donald Trump’s recent phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sparked controversy over immigration policies. Trump claimed an agreement to halt illegal immigration, while Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico would not close its borders but would focus on cooperation. Following Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada, the Mexican peso dropped, highlighting potential economic repercussions. Both leaders emphasized the need for collaboration on security and addressing fentanyl issues affecting the U.S.
Trump’s Phone Call with Mexican President
In a recent statement, the elected American president, Donald Trump, claimed that during a phone conversation with the new Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, an agreement was reached to ‘stop illegal immigration’ into the United States. However, Sheinbaum quickly refuted this assertion, clarifying that Mexico’s stance is ‘not to close the borders.’
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express, ‘She agreed to put an end to immigration through Mexico and towards the United States, thus closing our southern border.’ He emphasized that Mexico would begin taking steps to prevent individuals from reaching the U.S. southern border immediately, asserting that this action would significantly contribute to halting what he termed an ‘illegal invasion of the United States.’
Disagreement on Immigration Strategies
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Claudia Sheinbaum responded on the social media platform X, stating that during their conversation, she outlined Mexico’s comprehensive strategy for addressing migration. She reiterated, ‘Mexico’s position is not to close the borders, but to build bridges between governments and between peoples.’
During their dialogue, the leftist leader characterized the discussion as ‘excellent,’ focusing on security and immigration challenges. She informed Trump that caravans of migrants do not reach the U.S. northern border because they are managed within Mexico. This conversation followed Trump’s previous threats to impose substantial tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.
On Monday, Trump confirmed plans to introduce a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, which will take effect on January 20, coinciding with his inauguration. He stated, ‘This tax will remain until drugs, particularly fentanyl, and all illegal immigrants cease this invasion of our country.’
In reaction to these announcements, the Mexican peso fell to its lowest level in 28 months but saw a recovery soon after. Caravans of migrants from various South and Central American nations continue to traverse Mexico toward the U.S. border.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has maintained a tough stance on immigration, previously promising to construct a wall along the Mexican border and accusing migrants of threatening American society. Sheinbaum, in her discussions with Trump, emphasized the need for collaboration on security and efforts to combat fentanyl use in Mexico.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, has led to over 70,000 overdose deaths annually in the U.S., primarily due to its production in Mexico using chemicals sourced from China.
Prior to their conversation, Sheinbaum cautioned Trump against using threats or tariffs as a means to address immigration and drug consumption issues, suggesting that such tactics could lead to retaliatory measures, including increased tariffs on U.S. goods. She warned that a trade war could negatively impact competitiveness, inflation, and employment across North America.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard weighed in, asserting that the U.S. would be ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ with the proposed tariff increase, predicting that it could jeopardize 400,000 jobs in the U.S. Given that over 83% of Mexican exports are directed toward the United States, the implications of such tariffs are significant, especially within the framework of the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).