Carlos Díaz-Rosillo’s Perspective on Trump’s Leadership Preferences
According to Carlos Díaz-Rosillo, the former director of Public Policy at the White House during Donald Trump’s first term, flattery and arrogance do not work when building a relationship with the U.S. President.
Díaz-Rosillo, who is also the director of the Adam Smith Center at the International University of Florida, emphasizes that Trump respects strength and does not tolerate submissive leaders who he might treat as pets.
Example: Trump’s Relationship with Mexico’s Former President
Díaz-Rosillo uses the example of Trump’s relationship with Mexico’s former President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Despite ideological differences, Trump maintained a cordial relationship with López Obrador because the Mexican leader demonstrated strength.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Handling of the U.S.-Mexico Relationship
Díaz-Rosillo praises Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s current head of government, for managing a good relationship with Trump. He attributes this to her respectful response to the U.S. President’s statements, avoiding confrontation.
The T-MEC: More Than Just a Review
Díaz-Rosillo, a political international consultant and strategist, stresses the importance of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship and the need for both nations to work well together, especially with a substantial agenda.
He points out that the review of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) could turn into renegotiation, as Trump prefers bilateral treaties. The success of this process depends on how Mexico handles its relationship with the U.S. in the coming months.
Díaz-Rosillo notes that the U.S. believes Mexico is not fully complying with T-MEC terms, particularly regarding export rules of origin. Additionally, the U.S. wants to ensure that products exported to the country are genuinely Mexican, not Chinese.
Beyond Trade: Security Concerns in the T-MEC Negotiation
The negotiation context extends beyond merchandise exchange, addressing issues like fentanyl smuggling from China and security concerns such as organized crime operations and migration.
Trump has been clear that he was elected to defend American interests. Díaz-Rosillo explains that while cooperation in security matters would be ideal in a bilateral relationship, the U.S. seeks submission from Mexico.
However, Díaz-Rosillo acknowledges ongoing cooperation in various areas, which he asserts will continue despite “hot topics” like drug trafficking and migration for the U.S., and arms for Mexico.
U.S. Neglect of Latin America and China’s Advancement
Díaz-Rosillo points out that the U.S. government recognizes its past neglect of Latin America, which China has capitalized on by gaining a foothold in various regions.
He laments that China is the primary commercial partner in some Latin American countries, which poses a national security risk.
Díaz-Rosillo mentions the relocation of companies forming part of U.S. supply chains, with Mexico being a potential beneficiary. However, he clarifies that this opportunity was not fully exploited during López Obrador’s term.
Under Sheinbaum’s administration, Díaz-Rosillo believes there is now a more coherent nearshoring policy, provided Mexico offers legal, physical security, appropriate infrastructure, and fiscal incentives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What type of leaders does Donald Trump prefer to deal with? Trump prefers leaders who demonstrate strength, according to Carlos Díaz-Rosillo.
- How did Trump’s relationship with Mexico’s former President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, work? Despite ideological differences, Trump maintained a cordial relationship with López Obrador because the Mexican leader showed strength.
- How has Claudia Sheinbaum managed the U.S.-Mexico relationship? Díaz-Rosillo praises Sheinbaum for her respectful response to Trump’s statements, avoiding confrontation and maintaining a good relationship.
- What are the concerns regarding the T-MEC negotiation? The U.S. believes Mexico is not fully complying with T-MEC terms, particularly export rules of origin. Additionally, the U.S. wants to ensure that products exported to the country are genuinely Mexican, not Chinese.
- What are the broader issues in the T-MEC negotiation? The negotiation context extends beyond merchandise exchange, addressing issues like fentanyl smuggling from China and security concerns such as organized crime operations and migration.
- How does Díaz-Rosillo view U.S. neglect of Latin America and China’s advancement? Díaz-Rosillo acknowledges the U.S.’s past neglect of Latin America, which China has capitalized on by gaining a foothold in various regions. He laments that China is the primary commercial partner in some Latin American countries, posing a national security risk.
