Mexico complies with our instructions, according to Trump.

Mexican President Stands Firm Against U.S. Interference

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded firmly to U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that "Mexico does what we tell them to do" by emphasizing Mexico's sovereignty and people’s sovereignty over the country. Sheinbaum declared, "In Mexico, the people govern," rejecting Trump's characterization as dismissive and inaccurate[1].

Timeline and Context

August 8, 2025: Ahead of Trump's more provocative comments, Sheinbaum had already addressed concerns over reports that Trump secretly ordered the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels inside Mexico. Sheinbaum strongly rejected any U.S. invasion or military presence on Mexican soil, stating unequivocally, "There will be no invasion" and reaffirming Mexico’s sovereign control over its territory. She also reiterated her response to Trump's previous offer of direct U.S. military assistance, which she declined, endorsing cooperation but not allowing U.S. troops on Mexican soil[2][3].
August 14-15, 2025: Trump publicly claimed in the Oval Office that Canada and Mexico "do what we tell them to do" during the signing of an executive order commemorating the Social Security Act's 90th anniversary. In reply, Sheinbaum posted a video statement emphasizing that the only authority in Mexico is its people, not external powers. She reiterated this point in a press conference in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, firmly asserting that Mexico is governed internally and not directed by any foreign country[1].

Broader Background

Sheinbaum’s stance is part of a broader Mexican policy to cooperate with the U.S. on issues like drug trafficking and migration while maintaining sovereignty and rejecting U.S. military intervention. Despite cooperation measures such as shared intelligence and surveillance drone permissions over Mexican territory, Sheinbaum consistently draws a firm red line against any “boots on the ground” presence or unilateral U.S. military actions[4].
This diplomatic approach reflects Mexico’s intent to safeguard its sovereignty amidst pressures from the Trump administration's aggressive policies against cartels, including the designation of some Mexican drug trafficking groups as terrorist organizations and the administration's reported plans to use military force against them[3][4].
Sheinbaum’s responses have been widely noted for their “cool-headed” diplomacy in the face of provocations, balancing firm defense of Mexico’s dignity and sovereignty with continued collaboration on transnational issues[1][5].

The Corruption Case

The case of the two Mexican executives indicted on charges of bribing Pemex officials is fraught with peril for Sheinbaum and her party. The alleged infractions in the case of the two Mexican executives occurred after Morena took control of the federal government in December 2018[6]. Mexico is seeking the extradition of a former director of the state-owned oil company Pemex in connection with this case[7].
Security Minister Omar García Harfuch stated that the U.S. drone was sent to support an ongoing investigation by Mexican authorities[8]. Mexico transferred 26 high-profile prisoners to the U.S. as an act of "bilateral coordination" in a separate case[9].

In summary, Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Trump's claim by underscoring Mexico's sovereignty and self-governance, rejecting any notion of subservience, and firmly opposing U.S. military interventions on Mexican soil while continuing cooperation through diplomatic and law enforcement channels[1][2][3][4].

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's stance against U.S. interference in Mexican politics revolves around the principle of maintaining sovereignty and self-governance, as evident in her responses to President Trump's claims about Mexico's subservience.
In the midst of war-and-conflicts over drug trafficking and pressures from the Trump administration's aggressive policies, Sheinbaum's policy-and-legislation approach highlights cooperation with the U.S. while drawing a firm red line against any U.S. military intervention.
The general-news coverage of Sheinbaum's diplomatic efforts has widely recognized her cool-headed approach, where she balances defense of Mexico's dignity and sovereignty with continued collaboration on transnational issues.
Amidst concerns about corruption cases, such as the indictment of two Mexican executives for bribing Pemex officials, Sheinbaum continues to prioritize cooperation with the U.S. through law enforcement channels while upholding Mexico's sovereignty.