Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was sarcastic in a tweet on Wednesday when responding to US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
At her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum stood in front of a map, suggesting, with some sarcasm, to rename North America “América Mexicana” – Mexican America – referencing an 1814 document that predates Mexico’s constitution. “That sounds nice, doesn’t it?” she quipped, noting the Gulf of Mexico has held its name since 1607.
Her comments immediately went viral, giving a glimpse into how Mexico’s first-ever female president may navigate her relationship with Trump. Trump has promised mass deportations and heavy tariffs on trading partners, which include Mexico.
Her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, largely maintained an operational relationship with Trump despite their sharp policy divergences, and introduced US-solicited steps on trade to reduce northbound immigration, which Trump deemed positive.
Analysts wonder whether Sheinbaum, a left-wing scientist who is not quite like her populist predecessor, will be able to replicate that rapport. Brian Winter, vice president of the Council of the Americas, said, “Humor can project strength, which Trump responds to, but serious engagement will be required on key issues like immigration, drugs, and trade.
Sheinbaum has already opposed the 25% tariff proposed by Trump regarding Mexican imports, describing it as “unacceptable” and stating that there should be corresponding measures implemented. She claimed that higher inflation rates and increased job loss will affect both countries in case the tariffs are implemented.
Regarding immigration, Sheinbaum first suggested mandatory deportation of migrants back to their countries but later proposed that Mexico would accept deportation from other countries provided with some restrictions or reimbursement.
