By Raul Cortes
MEXICO CITY, June 1 (Reuters) – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that far-right sectors in the United States are coordinating with domestic groups to attack her government, escalating her rhetoric against Mexico’s largest trading partner.
The remarks follow a weekend rally where Sheinbaum denounced alleged interference by U.S. government agencies and business interests.
“I believe it is sectors of the far right in the United States who want a bad relationship with Mexico” because of “ideological” differences, Sheinbaum told a press conference.
The leftist president said she does not believe the attacks are being orchestrated by her U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump.
Relations between the two nations have been strained since Trump began his second term in January, fueled by disputes over tariffs and immigration policies.
Tensions escalated in April after the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha of the ruling Morena party, for alleged ties to drug trafficking.
Following the U.S. indictments of Morena politicians, Sheinbaum has intensified her calls to protect national sovereignty.
“Who decides in Mexico, foreign agencies or the people?” Sheinbaum told supporters on Sunday, at an event to commemorate the second anniversary of her 2024 presidential victory. “We are going to defend Mexico’s sovereignty and independence.”
Last week, Mexico’s congress approved a constitutional amendment allowing for the annulment of elections in the event of “foreign interference.” Opposition leaders have criticized the legislation as a pretext to hold new elections if the results are unfavorable to the ruling party.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Sheinbaum’s domestic standing remains strong. A poll published by newspaper El Financiero showed her approval rating at 69%, reversing a slight decline that began in March.
(Reporting by Raul Cortes; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Emily Green and Alistair Bell)
