The Art of the (Mixed) Deal
In the latest episode of the political reality show known as “Trump Talks Trade,” President-elect Donald Trump took to his social media platform to celebrate what he framed as a decisive victory over Mexico. According to Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum folded faster than a bad poker hand, agreeing to stop illegal migration and “close the Southern Border.” However, Sheinbaum’s account of the conversation was less “border closing” and more “bridge building,” leaving one to wonder if the two were even on the same call.
Sheinbaum: Closing Borders? Not My Style
Sheinbaum didn’t shy away from correcting the record. In her own social media post, she emphasized that Mexico has already been addressing migration “respecting human rights” and that the country’s strategy involves assisting migrants before they reach the U.S. border. She deftly sidestepped Trump’s tariff threats, pointing out that such threats would be met with reciprocal measures. Her message was clear: Mexico isn’t about to be strong-armed into playing bouncer for Trump’s immigration policies.
Tariff Tango: Trump’s Favorite Dance
Speaking of tariffs, Trump’s love affair with import taxes resurfaced yet again. The president-elect hinted at slapping a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, paired with an additional 10% for China. These plans, vague as they are, managed to rattle financial markets and spark concerns over consumer prices and economic growth.
Fentanyl Fear Factor
In a pivot from border security, Trump announced plans for a large-scale ad campaign warning Americans about the dangers of fentanyl. While combating the opioid crisis is undoubtedly important, the timing felt suspiciously like a diversion. After all, why focus on detailed trade policies when you can shout “drugs are bad” and watch your approval ratings climb?
Sheinbaum, in her own understated way, highlighted that Mexico was already working on preventing fentanyl consumption, subtly reminding Trump that cooperation doesn’t always need his trademark bluster.
Biden Weighs In: Allies, Not Adversaries
Not to be left out, President Joe Biden chimed in from a Thanksgiving firehouse visit in Nantucket. He warned against disrupting relationships with North American allies, describing Trump’s tariff strategy as “counterproductive.” Biden, clearly enjoying his turkey more than Trump’s rhetoric, pointed out that illegal migration has already dropped significantly under his administration. Funny how that detail escaped Trump’s self-congratulatory posts.
Who’s Winning?
If this “wonderful conversation” tells us anything, it’s that both leaders are playing to their domestic audiences. Trump’s supporters see him as a no-nonsense dealmaker forcing Mexico to bend to his will. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum projects calm authority, emphasizing cooperation and sovereignty.
The truth? Likely somewhere in between. Migration across the border has decreased, but credit goes more to Biden’s administration and Mexico’s existing efforts than to any last-minute Trump theatrics. As for tariffs, their potential impact on consumers and trade agreements makes them more of a political weapon than a practical solution.
The Final Word
In typical Trump fashion, the “wonderful conversation” might end up being more about optics than outcomes. Whether this chapter of U.S.-Mexico relations ends with a bridge or a wall remains to be seen. For now, let’s enjoy the show—and brace ourselves for the next installment.
