Headline:
Donald Trump‘s Proposed Cartel Designation as Terrorists Sparks Political Divide in Mexico
Article:
In an unprecedented move, the newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, has sparked a political divide in Mexico by announcing plans to designate Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This decision has put Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the defensive, as she pushes for Mexico’s sovereignty, while the right urges international cooperation to combat violence.
The political landscape in Mexico, where public safety is a top citizen concern, was rocked by Trump’s Sunday statement, which also included a pledge to deport all foreign gang members. Sheinbaum swiftly responded, asserting that Mexico "will never submit" and "rejects foreign intervention." However, the opposition, led by the National Action Party (PAN), has criticized Sheinbaum’s administration for its handling of security, with Senator Marko Cortés arguing that Trump’s announcement highlights the need for effective international collaboration.
Lilly Téllez, a PAN senator, went a step further, accusing Sheinbaum of shielding drug traffickers. "Trump threatened the cartels, and the first one to jump was Sheinbaum. As the cartels’ spokeswoman, she responded to Trump that she wouldn’t allow any interference," Téllez posted on her social media platforms.
Public Opinion Split
A recent Reforma newspaper poll reveals that 46% of Mexicans support U.S. aid in combating insecurity, while 50% oppose it. Among those in favor, 64% believe that joint Mexican-U.S. operations would be the most effective approach, while 24% prefer covert U.S. actions. Despite the mixed public opinion, President Sheinbaum’s approval rating stands at 69%, according to El Financiero. However, the same proportion, 69%, disapproves of her handling of organized crime.
Mexico’s Vulnerability and the Need for Pragmatism
Taking office on October 1, Sheinbaum inherits a presidency marked by record-high homicide rates, with over 196,000 killings in 2024. With Mexico in a politically vulnerable position, Clemente Romero Olmedo, a security expert at Cronem Consultores, warns that Trump’s moves could further exacerbate the situation. While acknowledging that some Mexicans may welcome Trump’s stance due to frustration with their government’s efforts, Romero Olmedo cautions that the U.S. president’s priorities lie with his domestic agenda, not Mexico’s best interests.
Romero Olmedo argues that the ideal scenario would be a joint cooperation effort, emphasizing the need for Sheinbaum’s administration to adopt a pragmatic approach. In a recent interview, Sheinbaum pledged to reach agreements with the U.S. on migration, security, and collaboration.
This contentious issue underscores the delicate balance Mexico must strike between asserting its sovereignty and seeking international assistance to combat the pressing security challenges it faces.
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