The head of government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, has managed to quell the tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, presenting herself as a defender of Mexican interests in an unequal fight with the powerful northern neighbor.
Sheinbaum has adopted a cooperative stance with Trump, refusing to engage in rhetorical discussions and preferring to wait for concrete details of the proposals before reacting. In daily press conferences, she has detailed how the proposed tariffs would affect the economy and U.S. consumers, highlighting the effects on the prices of various products, including automobiles.
The Mexican leader has avoided any perception of subordination to the United States and has presented herself as an ally rather than an adversary. Recently, she secured a postponement from Trump on the tariffs when the president announced he would pause the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Mexican products until April.
Unlike other countries, Mexico did not immediately respond with tariffs on U.S. products, opting to wait and engage in direct dialogue with Trump. This strategy has been successful in maintaining a respectful relationship with the U.S. president while defending Mexican interests amid the trade dispute.
Sheinbaum has been praised for her calculated and technocratic approach, demonstrating the ability to reach agreements and remain calm in crisis situations. Her discreet style contrasts with other world leaders who have directly confronted Trump, thereby earning the respect of the U.S. president and achieving beneficial agreements for Mexico.
Despite initial doubts about her ability to face Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum has proven to be an effective leader and skilled negotiator, showing concrete results in the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States. With her dialogue and cooperation-based approach, Sheinbaum has managed to maintain a respectful relationship with Trump, protecting Mexican interests in a context of international trade tensions.
