As the United States prepares to impose new tariffs on Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed the country’s economic strength and resilience. Despite the looming threat of Trump’s trade war, Sheinbaum remains immensely popular, reaching a record-breaking 85% approval rating, according to a March 3 poll by El Financiero. This unprecedented support underscores the trust the Mexican people have in her leadership amid increasing pressure from the U.S.
Sheinbaum’s approval ratings now surpass even those of her widely admired predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), who peaked at 83% during his presidency. The poll also revealed that 83% of Mexicans see her as honest, 82% recognize her leadership, and 78% believe in her ability to deliver results. Such numbers reflect a growing national unity in the face of external threats.
In her daily press conference on March 3, Sheinbaum remarked, “That speaks, beyond my person, of a lot of unity in the country in the face of what is happening…and that in the face of any situation we will emerge united in the process.” She firmly assured Mexicans that their economy is strong and well-prepared to handle the impact of tariffs.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, have sparked anxiety in global markets. However, Sheinbaum remains unfazed, assuring the nation that Mexico has a “Plan A, B, C, and D” to tackle any economic challenge. While the U.S. government’s final tariff conditions remain uncertain, Sheinbaum has emphasized “composure, serenity, and patience”, signaling that Mexico will not be bullied by Trump’s economic threats.
Despite conservative fearmongering, financial indicators show that Mexico’s markets remain stable, with the Mexican peso even appreciating against the U.S. dollar. Forbes and The New York Times have both noted that Mexico’s economy has not been shaken by the tariff announcement, further reinforcing Sheinbaum’s confidence.
Sheinbaum’s overwhelming approval rating is not just a reaction to Trump’s economic aggression. Unlike previous leaders who governed from afar, she has prioritized direct engagement with the people. Over the past 10 days alone, Sheinbaum has visited Durango, Guanajuato, and Colima, overseeing public works projects and reinforcing her commitment to grassroots governance. Her frequent visits to communities across Mexico highlight a leadership style grounded in the struggles and aspirations of the working class.
One of Trump’s justifications for imposing tariffs on Mexico is the alleged failure to curb fentanyl production and trafficking. However, Sheinbaum has exposed the misleading narrative pushed by the U.S. By presenting official data, she demonstrated that U.S. fentanyl seizures at the Mexico-U.S. border have dropped by nearly 50% since she took office in October.
Furthermore, while U.S. media credits the recent success in fentanyl seizures to CIA intelligence-sharing, the real progress dates back to AMLO’s administration, which increased fentanyl seizures by a staggering 1049% between 2018 and 2023. The trend has continued under Sheinbaum, with seizures rising by 22% in 2024 alone. These figures expose Trump’s rhetoric as a smokescreen designed to justify economic aggression against Mexico, while ignoring the fact that over 86% of fentanyl traffickers arrested in the U.S. are actually American citizens.
While Trump and his allies have long pushed for aggressive intervention in Mexico, Sheinbaum has effectively defused interventionist threats through diplomacy. Conservative Mexican commentators like Denise Dresser have attempted to portray her as weak in dealing with Trump. However, even Trump himself has praised Sheinbaum, acknowledging her insights on drug policy and her effective governance.
During a speech, Trump recalled his conversation with Sheinbaum, stating, “I spoke to the President of Mexico, a very wonderful woman actually… She really gave me something. I was going to call her and tell her that she did. To the President of Mexico, thank you very much, and we appreciate it.”
These remarks contrast sharply with Trump’s usual hostility toward Mexican leaders, signaling that Sheinbaum’s strategy is effectively shielding Mexico from U.S. interventionist rhetoric.
Beyond handling Trump diplomatically, Sheinbaum is turning the tables on U.S. culpability in Mexico’s security crisis. Her administration is advancing a legal battle against American gun manufacturers, who have been flooding Mexico with illegal firearms.
A USA Today investigation revealed that 80,000 U.S. firearms are smuggled into Mexico each year, with the total estimated at up to 750,000 per year. Now, with U.S. authorities designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, any proven links between American gun manufacturers and these groups could lead to severe legal consequences for U.S. companies.
Sheinbaum’s presidency marks a continuation of Mexico’s leftward path, which began under AMLO and Morena in 2018. By standing firm against Trump’s economic blackmail, countering U.S. hypocrisy on fentanyl, and holding American corporations accountable for their role in Mexico’s security crisis, she is proving that Mexico will not bow to U.S. pressure.
As she secures record levels of public support, Sheinbaum is sending a powerful message: Mexico’s future will not be dictated by foreign powers, but by the strength and unity of its people.