
Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum is the talk of the town as Donald Trump calls her tough; here's what she has done to earn the President's praise
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has unexpectedly caught the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite initial skepticism, Trump recently called her “tough” and praised her leadership, particularly on migration and fentanyl trafficking. But what exactly did Sheinbaum do to earn this recognition?
How did Claudia Sheinbaum build rapport with Donald Trump?
When Claudia Sheinbaum assumed office on October 1, many doubted her ability to manage U.S.-Mexico relations, especially under Trump. A leftist and former scientist, Sheinbaum was perceived as reserved compared to her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had a fiery, direct relationship with Trump.
Yet, she surprised critics by not only standing firm against Trump’s aggressive trade policies but also forging a strategic relationship with him. In their latest call, she outlined her administration’s efforts on border security and drug control. According to sources, Trump listened in silence before acknowledging, “You’re tough.” This moment marked a shift in their interactions, leading to a delay in planned tariffs on Mexican goods until April 2.
What actions strengthened Sheinbaum’s position with the U.S.?
Sheinbaum made decisive moves that resonated in Washington. In February, her government extradited 29 top cartel leaders to the U.S., a significant step in combating organized crime. This aggressive stance against drug cartels, known for retaliatory violence, demonstrated her willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on security concerns.
Additionally, Sheinbaum’s administration provided Trump with detailed reports on migration control, reinforcing Mexico’s efforts in curbing illegal crossings. The data-driven approach appealed to