By 
“Mexico’s President Denounces Trump’s Cartel Allegations as ‘Slander,’ Calls for Cooperation, and Unveils Retaliatory Tariffs”
In a forceful response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims of an alliance between the Mexican government and drug cartels, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo strongly rejected the accusations during a press conference on Wednesday, labeling them as slander. She emphasized that such assertions are baseless and detrimental to the international image of Mexico.
The controversy arose when Trump suggested that the Mexican government has colluded with powerful drug trafficking organizations, contributing to rising violence and drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. During his campaign, Trump argued that addressing these issues requires a harsher stance, including potential tariffs on Mexican imports.
In contrast, Sheinbaum expressed a desire for collaboration over confrontation, stressing that Mexico is actively working to prevent fentanyl and other illegal drugs from reaching not just the United States but any destination. If the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and generate violence, we must work together in a coordinated and integrated manner, she stated. She underscored essential principles such as shared responsibility, mutual trust, collaboration, and, importantly, respect for national sovereignty, which she described as non-negotiable.
To facilitate this collaborative effort, Sheinbaum proposed the establishment of a binational working group involving top public health and security teams from both nations. Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs but by dialogue and cooperation, just as we recently did with your State Department to address migration while respecting human rights, she said.
She also pointed out that the migration statistics Trump shared on social media showing a decline were produced by her team, which has maintained ongoing communication with U.S. officials. Emphasizing peaceful resolutions, Sheinbaum declared, Nothing by force; everything by reason and right.
Mexico Announces Retaliatory Tariffs Against the U.S.
In a swift response to Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that Mexico will hit back with retaliatory tariffs targeting U.S. exports, joining Canada in countermeasures against the U.S. economy.
Sheinbaum instructed her Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, to implement a Plan B that includes both tariff and non-tariff measures designed to protect Mexico’s economic interests. Although details are still emerging, reports indicate that Mexico plans to target key U.S. agricultural products a move that could disproportionately impact Republican-leaning states, particularly those reliant on farm exports to Mexico.
By strategically targeting red-state industries, Mexico’s countermeasures aim to exert political pressure on the U.S. administration. We will not allow our economy to be used as a political bargaining chip. Mexico will defend itself with the necessary economic measures Sheinbaum declared.
North America Faces Rising Trade Tensions
With Canada also announcing retaliatory tariffs, the trade dispute is quickly escalating into one of the most significant diplomatic crises in North America in decades. The combined measures from Mexico and Canada could have far-reaching implications for U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
As both nations navigate complex issues surrounding drug trafficking, immigration, and trade, Sheinbaums call for dialogue reflects a commitment to diplomatic relations built on respect and collaboration. The ongoing discussion highlights the necessity of integrated strategies to tackle shared challenges while maintaining respect for each country’s sovereignty.
