The year 2025 came to an end marked by three moments in the historical and complex relationship between the United States and Mexico, represented by the leaders Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, respectively.

The three moments we refer to in La Opinion They are: the halt to tariffs; the rejection of military intervention in Mexico and the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Sheinbaum regarding preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1. The Halt to Tariffs

Following Donald Trump's return to the White House in January, the Mexican president was forced to implement a "cool head" strategy to confront the US president's tariff threats.

Trump began the year by announcing the implementation of 25% tariffs on all Mexican imports if Claudia Sheinbaum's government did not take action to help curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, such as fentanyl.

During a 45-minute phone call with Trump on February 3, Sheinbaum achieved what many analysts considered "unprecedented": getting the US president to agree to a one-month pause in the application of tariffs.

Sheinbaum pledged to immediately deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to Mexico's northern border to combat fentanyl trafficking, while the US agreed to work to control the "We had a good conversation with President Trump, with great respect for our relationship and sovereignty; we reached a series of agreements: 1. Mexico will immediately reinforce its northern border with 10,000 National Guard troops to prevent drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, particularly fentanyl. 2. The United States commits to working to prevent the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico. 3. Our teams will begin working today on two fronts: security and trade. 4. Tariffs are paused for one month, effective immediately."Sheinbaum stated this after the call with Trump and securing the pause in the application of tariffs.

2. The Rejection of Military Intervention in Mexico

As part of her “cool head” strategy, Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected any offer of intervention by foreign troops after the Trump administration classified Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. During her visit to the Mexican state of Queretaro, for the commemoration of the 108th anniversary of the 1917 Constitution, Sheinbaum Pardo affirmed that Mexico is no one's colony and that she would not allow its sovereignty to be violated or its dignity to be trampled upon.

“Mexico is a free, sovereign, and independent country. We are no one's colony or protectorate. They can threaten us with any outrage, but we will never allow them to violate our sovereignty and trample on the dignity of our people and our homeland,” she stated in her speech on February 5.

The Mexican president's constant rejection of any offer of intervention with foreign troops, as well as the reiteration of Mexico's position on “Cooperation yes, subordination no,” allowed the Trump administration to soften its stance on any possibility of invading Mexico. 3. The first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Sheinbaum. Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, provided the ideal setting for Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum to meet face-to-face for the first time since both leaders took office in their respective countries. On December 4, Sheinbaum traveled to Washington to attend the FIFA draw, which took place the following day, Friday, December 5, at the Kennedy Center. There, the Mexican president met Donald Trump for the first time, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The three leaders sat together and participated in the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We are proud to host the World Cup for the third time. Mexico is an extraordinary, beautiful, magical country, and millions will visit our nation… I also want to tell you that we have an extraordinary, hardworking people; we have enjoyed ball games since ancient times,” Sheinbaum Pardo said after drawing the ball representing Mexico. Days later, in her morning press conference on Monday, December 8, the Mexican president stated that the meeting with Trump in Washington took place in a “very cordial” atmosphere and with “great respect for Mexico.” “Trump was very kind to me, which I appreciate because it’s not a personal matter; it’s about what we represent.”"The president represents Mexico, and the fact that President Trump was kind speaks to his recognition of Mexico," he said on December 8.