Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed advances in the T-MEC review, bilateral security, narcotrafficking, and trade during a phone call on January 29, 2026. Described as productive and cordial, the conversation—a follow-up to their January 12 talk—saw Trump praise Sheinbaum as a 'wonderful and intelligent leader' amid plans for future meetings.
The January 29, 2026, phone call between Presidents Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump, requested by the U.S. leader, covered key commercial and security issues. Sheinbaum described the exchange as 'productive and cordial,' stating on social media: 'We continue advancing on commercial topics and bilateral relations. We agreed that both teams will keep working jointly.' Trump echoed the positivity on Truth Social, posting: 'Mexico has a wonderful and intelligent leader. They should be very happy about it!' The leaders also briefly exchanged greetings with Melania Trump.
Discussions centered on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC/USMCA) review, set for July, with over 90% progress on 54 topics. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, visiting Washington and meeting U.S. officials including Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, indicated the treaty's core structure would remain intact via 'side letters or additional protocols' rather than full renegotiation. The U.S. pushes for structural reforms, such as expanded rules of origin in automotive and other industries, while Mexico advocates symmetric labor procedures.
On security, both sides noted progress in combating narcotrafficking and border issues, with plans for future talks and meetings. However, Sheinbaum firmly rejected U.S. military operations on Mexican soil: 'We will never accept joint operations from the United States... operations on our territory are by Mexican forces.' She denied talks on extraditions, the Ryan Wedding case, or oil shipments to Cuba.
The call reflects improving ties amid past frictions. Last May, Trump urged Sheinbaum to allow U.S. troops against cartels, but she refused, prompting criticism. In August, she ruled out any invasion despite U.S. plans targeting cartels. Trade tensions arose from U.S. tariffs on Mexico for fentanyl flows, later paused during T-MEC negotiations, with many goods protected under the pact.
Ebrard reiterated that 'the core structure of the treaty will go forward,' signaling optimism for continued collaboration.
