Her presidential run is already historic, as Claudia Sheinbaum has become the first female elected president of Mexico after assuming office last October. The 62-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City takes over during an equally pivotal moment. She has tremendous diplomatic hurdles to leap with the United States. Known for her pragmatic and calm demeanor, Sheinbaum has already begun navigating complex international negotiations, particularly with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Sheinbaum’s election to lead Mexico’s capital, in the midst of growing possible economic fallout from new U.S. tariffs, could be auspicious timing. Sheinbaum Trump baiting Sheinbaum has exhibited a deft touch in dealing with provocations from Trump, a talent she developed during prior diplomatic engagements. Sheinbaum’s immediate response to Trump’s latest threat of 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto components. She concluded by emphasizing the need to keep a level head during this existential threat.
“As I said before, [we have to keep a] cool head on this,” – Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum has looked to this refrain to become her north star. That’s something she’s fought in the Trump administration already three times… successfully. Perhaps most importantly, she displays remarkable patience and pragmatism. Often working from the shadows of closed doors, she works with her team of negotiators to ensure drastic economic consequences to Mexico are avoided. These efforts are part of the push to remove or reduce damaging tariff fees on Mexican-assembled autos and auto parts.
Sheinbaum’s negotiating skills have not gone unnoticed. Last month, for her it surely paid off when Trump personally praised her efforts on a phone call, telling her “You’re tough.” This recognition is a testament to the deep respect she has earned around the world through her dogged strategic diplomatic pursuits. Similarly, Sheinbaum has kept lines of communication open with U.S. officials, sidestepping high-profile showdowns and salvaging with acute political skill open channels to seek solutions.
We want to hear all about PDE President’s “comprehensive response” on April 3—the day that the newest round of tariff threats are scheduled to be implemented. This careful approach gives Mexico time to read the situation, respond appropriately, and refrain from showing its hand early in the game.
“We’ll have to wait and see what President Trump says, and from there, we’ll have to decide, one way or another, what decisions we’d make. We’ve been through this three times; this would be the third,” – Claudia Sheinbaum
Oscar Ocampo, political analyst Toño de la Peña, emphasized the value of Sheinbaum’s prudence.
“This is something we must recognize about President Claudia Sheinbaum and her negotiating team. What they have achieved is important. Mexico did well not to show its cards prematurely,” – Oscar Ocampo
Throughout these negotiations, Trump has weighed in publicly on the state of affairs between the two countries.
“Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” – Donald Trump
