When it comes to diplomacy, skill often outweighs force—and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proved just that in her recent negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump. On February 3, Sheinbaum dodged Trump’s threatened tariffs with finesse, earning admiration for her quick thinking and savvy strategy.
A Tweet That Set the Tone
It all started last Monday when Sheinbaum took to X (formerly Twitter) to share some news. “Had a good conversation with President Trump,” she wrote. The outcome? Trump agreed to delay imposing tariffs for a month. In return, Sheinbaum pledged to send 10,000 National Guard members to Mexico’s northern border to curb fentanyl trafficking. Meanwhile, Trump committed to stemming the flow of high-grade U.S. weapons into Mexico—many of which end up fueling cartel violence.
Sheinbaum’s diplomatic victory wasn’t just about avoiding tariffs; it also highlighted Mexico’s readiness to cooperate without bowing to pressure.
A Press Conference with a Smile
Arriving fashionably late to her press conference, Sheinbaum greeted reporters with a confident grin. “You’ve all seen the tweet, haven’t you?” she joked, earning applause from the audience.
The internet quickly buzzed with reactions. While some Trump supporters framed the agreement as a win for the former U.S. president, others praised Sheinbaum’s skillful handling of the situation. One X user gushed, “How could I not love you?” Another joked, “So Trump caved…to a woman? Thanks DEI.”
Some even speculated about Trump’s motives. Was he afraid of facing a strong woman, or just hungry for good PR? Either way, Sheinbaum’s cool-headed approach contrasted sharply with Trump’s signature bluster.
The Bigger Picture
However, not everyone was convinced there was anything groundbreaking in the agreement. Critics pointed out that Mexico’s commitment to deploying troops at the border wasn’t new. Similar measures had been in place since 2019 under a prior agreement with the U.S.
As one former U.S. ambassador to Mexico remarked, “A lot of movement, a lot of noise, but actually little action.” Yet, Sheinbaum’s ability to maintain stability and avoid economic fallout spoke volumes about her leadership.
A Deal Worth Celebrating
At its core, this agreement was more than just political theater. It tackled a crucial issue for Mexicans: the rampant smuggling of U.S. firearms into Mexico. The country’s foreign relations office estimates that up to 90% of traced weapons used in crimes originate in the U.S. By putting the onus on the U.S. to crack down on this trade, Sheinbaum secured a meaningful step forward.
In the end, both leaders walked away with something to claim as a victory. Trump got his moment in the spotlight, while Sheinbaum reminded the world that Mexico stands for cooperation, not subordination.
As future challenges loom, one thing is clear: Claudia Sheinbaum knows how to navigate the fine line between diplomacy and drama—and she does it with style.
