Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has surprisingly demonstrated remarkable skill in countering Donald Trump’s threat to enforce a 25% tax on all Mexican goods exported to the United States. In the last couple of months alone, she successfully postponed this action twice—each time through an urgent telephone exchange with the US leader. Following their latest discussion in early March, Trump praised her as a “marvelous person,” which stands in sharp contrast to how he treated Canada’s former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he dismissively referred to as "Premier Trudeau." Trump stated that he instructed the postponement due to his respect for Sheinbaum, noting further, "We have developed a highly positive rapport and are diligently collaborating on matters concerning our borders.”
Professional path in science as a physicist
The relationship between these two leaders is particularly remarkable considering their vastly contrasting personalities. Trump seldom passes up a chance to highlight his abilities, whereas Sheinbaum tends to be quite restrained and introspective. Their backgrounds—hers rooted in scientific inquiry and progressive politics—are worlds apart from those of the American president. Additionally, her focus on addressing climate change positions her directly against Trump, who has famously cast doubt on the existence of global warming, labeling it a fabrication.
The individual, now 62 years old and inaugurated as president last October, hails from a secular Jewish background with a lineage of scholars. His grandfather moved from Lithuania to Mexico during the 1920s, whereas his maternal relatives relocated from Bulgaria in 1942. Notably, his father specialized in biochemistry, and his mother held expertise as a chemical engineer. Demonstrating remarkable academic drive, she pursued advanced studies culminating in a doctoral degree in physics. Furthermore, for several years, this person conducted research focused on energy technologies and environmental issues at the renowned Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory located in California.
Activism is deeply rooted in Sheinbaum’s lineage. Her grandfather was part of Mexico’s Communist Party, while her parents played roles in the nation’s student movement during the 1960s. Following their footsteps, she began her political journey with student activism and later joined the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution in 1989.
Championed by the center-left populist López Obrador
Following a distinguished career in science, Sheinbaum quickly advanced into politics. In 2000, her political guide, Andrés Manuel López Obrador—who at the time served as the progressive mayor of Mexico City—appointed her as secretary of the environment. Later, she contributed to authoring the 2007 United Nations climate report. By 2015, she had taken charge of one of Mexico City’s boroughs, and in 2018, she assumed office as the city’s mayor. In 2024, she created history by becoming Mexico’s inaugural female president, taking over from López Obrador.
Often portrayed as restrained, practical, or perhaps distant—traits that distinguish her from typical portrayals of Latin American politicians—Sheinbaum seems particularly adept at handling interactions with figures like Donald Trump. Ever since the conflict began regarding tariffs, she has advocated for calmness and communication, avoiding aggressive statements that could incite him. In contrast to how Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once called President Trump’s tariff strategies “very dumb,” Sheinbaum has maintained composure and diplomacy. Instead of publicly announcing retaliatory measures, similar to what the Canadians did, she discreetly tasked her staff with developing several backup plans—referred to internally as Plan A, B, and C—but has kept these confidential to prevent unnecessary heightening of hostilities.
A key aspect of her approach includes addressing American worries head-on. Rather than dismissing them, Sheinbaum recognizes the issues the U.S. confronts regarding illegal immigration and drug smuggling along its southern boundary. To allay these fears, she has implemented concrete measures aimed at reassuring officials in Washington. This involved sending an extra 10,000 National Guard troops to bolster security at the border and handing over 29 alleged drug traffickers for prosecution in the United States. As part of a major offensive against criminal organizations, Mexican authorities have apprehended approximately 1,000 individuals connected to cartels since early February and confiscated significant amounts of drugs. Additionally, Sheinbaum has strengthened collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Tone should be diplomatic without being overly submissive.
This doesn’t imply that Sheinbaum has lost focus on what’s best for Mexico. While her approach may be courteous in form, it remains steadfast in content. She is willing to consider compromises with Trump when appropriate, yet she ensures this won't jeopardize Mexico's autonomy. As she states, "It should always be collaboration and cooperation, rather than submission or interference." She engages with him as a peer. Postures of obeisance observed by certain officials during their trips to the White House do not align with her manner of conduct.
She excels at playing the long game as well. After Trump proclaimed in early March that his tariffs on Mexico and Canada were definitive, Trudeau swiftly implemented countermeasures. In stark contrast, Sheinbaum opted for a more deliberate approach rather than rushing into action. Rather than responding impulsively, she stated that Mexico’s reply would be revealed over the upcoming weekend from the expansive plaza before the National Palace. This postponement gave her an opening to place a crucial telephone call to Trump. Reports suggest that during this conversation, she presented him with a U.S. governmental graph illustrating a significant drop in fentanyl trafficking since he assumed office—a statistic which appeared to catch Trump off guard and apparently swayed his stance.
Through that decision, Sheinbaum gained further respite – extending it up till April 2. It's uncertain whether she will manage to secure yet another postponement. Nevertheless, domestically, she has grown significantly more powerful following her talks with Trump. Upon assuming office, numerous people perceived her as a feeble leader whose position was mainly due to López Obrador’s endorsement. However, her popularity has surged dramatically to an all-time high of 85%, attracting backing from segments such as the middle and upper classes who were initially against her. Furthermore, Mexico’s principal business organization, which historically clashed with her political guide, has shown readiness to endorse her administration’s strategy for economic growth.
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