Since Claudia Sheinbaum took office as President of Mexico on October 1, 2024, her management of the relationship with Donald Trump has surprised both allies and critics. Despite their ideological differences, the Mexican leader has managed to maintain pragmatic diplomacy that has earned her recognition from other international leaders—and even the approval of Trump himself.

On January 20, 2025, Trump began his second term with hostile rhetoric toward Mexico, declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border and promising mass deportations. In response, Sheinbaum adopted a calculated approach, avoiding unnecessary public confrontations and opting for direct negotiation. "It is always important to keep a cool head," Sheinbaum stated, setting herself apart from leaders like Gustavo Petro, who chose a confrontational stance with Washington.

This strategy has allowed her to avoid major conflicts. While other countries have found themselves embroiled in disputes with Trump, Sheinbaum has managed to maintain diplomatic stability and even secure concessions.

Negotiations and Concessions

In February 2025, the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican products threatened to trigger a trade crisis. Unlike Canada, which responded with immediate retaliatory measures, Sheinbaum chose to delay her response, organizing a rally to announce countermeasures while her team sought to persuade the Trump administration to postpone the tariffs. The strategy proved effective: Trump granted an extension and later reduced the scope of the tariffs.

In matters of security and migration, Sheinbaum has reinforced cooperation with the U.S. without compromising sovereignty. Her government has deployed 10,000 troops to the border and conducted historic fentanyl seizures, allowing her to present Mexico as a reliable partner in the fight against drug trafficking. At the same time, she has demanded that Washington take greater action to curb arms trafficking into Mexico, balancing Trump’s demands with her own priorities.

Trump’s “Whisperer”

U.S. media outlets, including The Washington Post, have dubbed Sheinbaum "the Trump whisperer" for her ability to manage the U.S. president without directly confronting him. Her approach has been recognized by international leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who praised her calm handling of negotiations.

Sheinbaum has demonstrated that rather than yielding or openly challenging Trump, it is possible to navigate the relationship with firmness while avoiding unnecessary escalations. Her combination of pragmatism and composure has allowed Mexico to avert crises that, in the past, could have led to sanctions or more aggressive measures from the U.S.

Although Sheinbaum has achieved remarkable progress, her challenge is far from over. The tariff truce expires in April 2025, and Trump’s pressure on Mexico regarding migration and security will continue. According to experts, Sheinbaum has successfully "dodged a bullet," but Trump still has "a loaded gun pointed at Mexico."

Time will tell whether the Mexican president’s strategy proves to be an effective model for handling Trump in the long term. For now, she has shown that with a combination of composure, foresight, and firmness, it is possible to keep the controversial U.S. president at bay without sacrificing national interests.

With information from AFP.