The Trump Administration Can’t Decide How It Feels About Mexico

In the past two weeks, former Army and intelligence officer Ronald D. Johnson has described the U.S.-Mexico relationship as one of "close coordination," "decisive action," "information shared," and "the security of both our nations." However, other members of the Trump administration view Mexico differently. Stephen Miller has painted a picture of a cartel-dominated government that has refused to cooperate in the fight against drugs and illegal immigration, stating that terrorist organizations "kill, extort, kidnap, or murder anybody who gets in their way."

The inconsistency in messaging about Mexico within the Trump administration has caused a rift with Mexican officials, who have become accustomed to the "doble discurso" or dual discourse in their interactions with the U.S. government. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently described the situation as meetings that suggest things are going well, followed by others that signal the possibility of an American air strike.

Sheinbaum's predecessor had considered stripping Drug Enforcement Administration agents of diplomatic immunity, but now, they have supported major security operations. Despite the improved security cooperation with the current Mexican administration, some U.S. officials, particularly Stephen Miller, have pushed for unilateral action against Mexican cartels.

During a Fox News interview, Miller has complained about Mexico's inaction, while at the same time, the White House has emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and the need for Mexico to do more on immigration enforcement.