On March 9, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum gathered thousands of supporters at Mexico City's Zócalo, addressing serious tensions with the United States amid threats of tariffs on Mexican products. An estimated 350,000 people attended the event, highlighting the sense of urgency and patriotism felt across the nation.
The atmosphere was charged with national pride as supporters waved Mexican flags, donned traditional clothing, and chanted slogans. The event showcased Sheinbaum's strategy to rally Mexican citizens' support against perceived threats from the neighboring country, embodied by President Donald Trump, whose administration has seen turbulent relations with Mexico.
At the event, Sheinbaum quoted historical figures to underline her message of national sovereignty and unity: "La patria es primero!" (The homeland is first!), she declared, energizing the crowd. Her rhetorical flourish drew from Mexico's rich history of resilience, referencing moments of collaboration and historical grievances with the U.S. The crowd responded with chants of "No estás sola" (You are not alone), signifying their solidarity with their president as they faced the challenges on the international stage.
This assembly was initially organized to announce measures against the tariffs threatened by the U.S., but negotiations led to the temporary suspension of those tariffs until April 2, 2025. Sheinbaum celebrated this outcome, asserting, "Somos optimistas porque... no se tendrían que aplicar" (We are optimistic because they should not be applied), reinforcing the idea of cooperation over conflict.
Sheinbaum's speech also targeted the significance of remittances, mentioning the 64 billion dollars sent home from approximately 38 million Mexicans living abroad, reflecting how intertwined the economy of both countries is. "They produce in American factories, fields, and labs; their remittances sustain families, revitalizing the U.S. economy," said Sheinbaum, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of U.S.-Mexico relations.
While addressing the tariffs, Sheinbaum laid out five key strategic actions aimed at enhancing the Mexican economy, which include boosting the minimum wage, promoting public investment, and securing food self-sufficiency to reduce reliance on imports. "We need to produce what we consume," she affirmed, advocating for strong policies grounded in national interests.
Throughout her speech, the tension underlying U.S.-Mexico relations hovered, with many attendees voicing their concerns about how American actions impact daily life. Juan Florencio, 61, asserted, "The U.S. president must know Sheinbaum is not alone," showcasing the citizens’ support for their leader as she navigates the challenging waters with Trump.
Notably, Sheinbaum addressed the issue of drugs flowing from Mexico to the U.S. She detailed the government's efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking, reporting significant decreases: "Between October 2024 and January 2025, the entry of fentanyl from Mexico to the United States dropped by 50 percent due to effective interventions." This assertion pointed to Mexico’s commitment to collaborative efforts with the U.S., hoping to demonstrate accountability and cooperation rather than aggression.
Claudia Sheinbaum's remarks prompted varied emotions among the attendees. While some showed strong enthusiasm, others openly expressed concerns about the socioeconomic impacts of potential tariffs and trade wars. The atmosphere demonstrated both hope and the weight of history, as the populace reflected on Mexico’s historical interactions with its neighbor to the north.
With Trump's administration’s unpredictable nature, many citizens expressed trepidation about future relations, underlining the importance of dialogue. Sheinbaum’s collective approach aims to establish firm diplomatic ground, as indicated by her emphasis on mutual respect and collaboration during her address.
Governor David Monreal Ávila also participated, expressing solidarity: "Today calls for patriotism and unity for our country." His sentiments echoed the overarching theme of nationalism, reminding citizens of Mexico's sovereignty against foreign pressures.
Overall, Claudia Sheinbaum's message resonates with the audience's aspirations—defending Mexican pride, advocating for economic security, and fostering respectful negotiations to not only avert potential tariffs but to strengthen bilateral ties with the United States. With supporters rallying around her, the narrative is clear: Mexico stands united and ready to navigate both challenges and opportunities together.