FULL LETTER: Mexican President Rejects Trump’s Ultimatum, Hints at Retaliation – Calls Out America in Bold Move
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a fiery response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of imposing a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, accusing the U.S. of fueling gun violence and the drug crisis that has plagued her nation. In an official letter, Sheinbaum pushed back against Trump’s demands for immediate action on illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, calling his approach shortsighted and inflammatory.
Sheinbaum’s letter, read aloud during a press conference on Tuesday, dismissed Trump’s ultimatum, claiming Mexico had already addressed its southern border issues. Instead, she challenged Trump to focus on what she described as the “root causes” of migration, suggesting that the U.S. redirect funds intended for “wars” to foster peace and stability in Latin America.
Taking an even bolder stance, Sheinbaum warned that Mexico would retaliate with tariffs of its own if Trump’s proposed measures took effect.
“One tariff will follow another in response and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk,” Sheinbaum stated, cautioning that such a trade war would lead to inflation and job losses on both sides of the border.
The Mexican President also took aim at America’s drug demand, arguing that the U.S.’s role in the narcotics trade is the driving force behind cartels and violence.
Trump has yet to respond to Sheinbaum’s letter, but with the U.S. and Mexico deeply intertwined as trade partners—Mexico accounted for 15.8% of total U.S. trade in September—this escalating standoff could have major economic consequences.
Sheinbaum concluded her remarks by requesting a call with Trump and announcing her intention to coordinate with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Read the full letter below via Ryan Saavedra: 
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