President Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20th for his second term in office, and his inaugural speech outlined significant policy shifts concerning the US-Mexico bilateral relationship. Notably, President Trump declared a state of emergency at the southern border, announcing measures such as the processing of millions of people back to their countries of origin and the reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. These actions will require cooperation from Mexico, signaling the need for bilateral dialogue to achieve these goals. Additionally, the Trump administration’s decision to designate cartels as terrorist organizations marks a historic change in how the US and Mexico address criminal networks, potentially redefining security collaboration. On trade and economic policy, the creation of the External Revenue Service raises questions about the future of USMCA and bilateral trade dynamics. Lastly, the symbolic renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America underscores Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda, though it is unlikely to have substantial effects on the bilateral relationship.
Declaration of Border Emergency
“First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted. And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.”
Targeting Cartels
"Under the orders I sign today we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities."
Trade and Economic Policy (USMCA)
“I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources.”
Symbolic Changes
"A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America."
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-trump-inauguration-speech-2025/
Author
Aldrin Ballesteros
Communications Manager, Mexico Institute
Mexico Institute
The Mexico Institute seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship. A binational Advisory Board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversees the work of the Mexico Institute. Read more
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