On September 1, 2025, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stood before the nation in the grand halls of the National Palace, delivering her first state-of-the-nation address with the eyes of 131 million citizens—and much of the world—upon her. The speech was a sweeping review of her government’s accomplishments after nearly a year in office, marked by a mix of bold claims, notable omissions, and the unmistakable weight of history: Sheinbaum is the country’s first female president, and her leadership comes at a moment of radical global shifts and domestic challenges.
According to The Associated Press, Sheinbaum, a progressive leader aged 63, has enjoyed remarkable popularity since taking office in October 2024, with approval ratings ranging between 70% and 80%. Her address was both a celebration of the government’s achievements and a carefully curated narrative, leaving out some of the most persistent troubles still plaguing Mexico, such as cartel violence and growing concerns over the concentration of executive power.
One of the address’s central themes was the navigation of Mexico’s delicate and often fraught relationship with the United States. With Donald Trump back in the White House, tensions have run high, especially as Trump’s administration has wielded tariffs like a cudgel and pressed allies for concessions. Sheinbaum asserted that her administration had managed to avoid the brunt of these tariffs by taking a much tougher stance against Mexican cartels and the fentanyl trade than her predecessor. In recent months, her government has delivered dozens of cartel figures long wanted by U.S. authorities to the Trump administration—a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.
Yet, Sheinbaum was adamant about defending Mexican sovereignty. "Under no circumstance will we accept interventions, interference, or any other act from abroad that is detrimental to the integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the country," she declared, as reported by AP. This message came just a day before U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to arrive in Mexico City to discuss security cooperation, underscoring the complex dance between cooperation and autonomy that defines the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Despite the tough talk, Trump had recently told the press, "Mexico does what we tell them to do," a statement that rankled many in Mexico and highlighted the ongoing power dynamics at play.
Sheinbaum’s address also spotlighted what she described as historic gains in social policy. Government data released in August showed that more than 8.3 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2022 and 2024—a feat attributed largely to expansive social programs and a significant increase in the minimum wage. Direct money transfers, including scholarships and stipends for the elderly, have reached around 32 million families, roughly one quarter of the population. "This is the most ambitious social plan in Mexico’s history," Sheinbaum said, a claim echoed by experts who point to the scale of the government’s intervention in reducing poverty.
Sheinbaum made it clear that she sees herself as the torchbearer of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) legacy. She devoted a significant portion of her speech to highlighting the continuation of major infrastructure projects initiated by her predecessor, most notably the Maya Train—a massive rail project seen as AMLO’s crown jewel. Despite global economic uncertainty, Sheinbaum boasted of a strong Mexican economy, citing growing investment and a resilient peso as proof that her administration’s policies are bearing fruit.
One of the most contentious issues addressed—or rather, skirted—was the government’s recent judicial reforms. Last year, Sheinbaum’s Morena party pushed through sweeping changes to the judicial system, including the introduction of elected judges. A newly elected Supreme Court took office on the very day of her address, a development she hailed as a "profoundly democratic event." However, critics at home and abroad have warned that these reforms threaten the delicate system of checks and balances, making it easier for the ruling party to install loyalists on the nation’s highest courts. The majority of those taking seats on the new Supreme Court are members or former members of Morena, raising fears of democratic backsliding.
Sheinbaum attempted to dispel these concerns, stating, "The era of nepotism, corruption, and privilege is over, and a new era of legality and justice for all is beginning." Yet, as The Associated Press noted, she made little mention of the broader democratic anxieties that have accompanied these reforms, nor did she address the potential risks of concentrating power within the executive branch.
Perhaps most conspicuous by its absence in Sheinbaum’s speech was any meaningful discussion of Mexico’s ongoing cartel violence—a crisis that remains the country’s most pressing problem in the eyes of many citizens. While she referenced a dip in homicide rates, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Cartel warfare continues to fuel bloodshed across states like Sinaloa, with dead bodies appearing daily and almost 130,000 Mexicans still missing. This violence has persisted despite promises from both Sheinbaum and her predecessor that robust social programs would help quell unrest.
The omission did not go unnoticed. Many Mexicans—and international observers—have criticized the government for failing to take stronger action against the cartels and for glossing over the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict. The issue remains a major test for Sheinbaum’s leadership, one that cannot be addressed by rhetoric or statistics alone.
Even as Sheinbaum’s address painted a picture of progress and optimism, the underlying complexities of Mexico’s political landscape remain. Her government’s aggressive approach to U.S. relations, ambitious social programs, and controversial judicial reforms have all left their mark in her first year. Yet, the specter of cartel violence and the potential erosion of democratic safeguards still cast long shadows over her administration’s achievements.
With Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit and ongoing scrutiny from both domestic and international critics, Sheinbaum’s next moves will be watched closely. Her promise that "things are going well, and they’re only going to get better" is, for many Mexicans, a hope yet to be realized—and a challenge that will define her presidency in the months and years to come.