Mexico's Nationalism Rises Amid U.S. Tariffs

In response to new tariffs imposed by the U.S., President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico experiences a surge in approval ratings and a nationalistic push within the country.

In a dramatic display of national pride, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took to a military installation in Mexico City to speak to her citizens beneath a vast Mexican flag. With President Trump’s updated tariffs on Mexico coming into play, Sheinbaum used the opportunity to galvanize her audience, asserting, “Mexico must be respected. Its people are brave,” emphasizing the need for national unity against foreign pressures.

With tariffs becoming a tool of negotiation by the U.S. government, a wave of nationalism has swept across Mexico. The Mexican administration and local businesses are rallying behind the “Made in Mexico” initiative, actively promoting domestic products and suggesting economic boycotts against U.S. brands. Many citizens are now curating lists of local businesses, reflecting a growing resistance to American goods.

Sheinbaum's image has transformed into that of a unifying figure, frequently appearing in media alongside military personnel and flags, reinforcing the sentiment of national pride. Local companies are launching advertisements showcasing the president championing the motto, “Mexico united, never defeated!” This surge in national sentiment, coupled with her ability to navigate international relations, has led her to achieve approval ratings soaring as high as 80%. From her background as a protégé of popular former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum has successfully carved out her identity in a turbulent political terrain shaped by external pressures.