Mexico City’s Sheinbaum Responds to Trump’s Drug War Threats: “Hugs but Also Bullets”

Web Editor

December 16, 2025

a man in a suit and tie with his arms crossed and his arms crossed, with a blue background, Fernando

Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role

Claudia Sheinbaum, the Head of Government for Mexico City, has taken a measured response to President Trump’s recent drug war threats. Sheinbaum, known for her pragmatic approach to governance, has been at the helm of Mexico’s capital since 2018. As a prominent figure in Mexico’s left-leaning political party, Morena, she has been instrumental in shaping the city’s policies on security, social programs, and urban development.

Trump’s Drug War Threats and Sheinbaum’s Response

President Trump declared fentanyl and those who smuggle it into the U.S. as weapons of mass destruction, labeling them as terrorists and threatening extraterritorial actions against them. Sheinbaum’s cool-headed response echoes the current federal government’s strategy of “hugs, but also bullets” to tackle organized crime by addressing root causes while gradually dismantling criminal structures.

Contextualizing the Threat

Sheinbaum’s response seems to confirm Ariel Moutsatsos’ hypothesis that the U.S. may not fully grasp the nature of the threat posed by violating Mexico’s territorial integrity.

Controversial Housing Rent Laws in Mexico City

New Housing Rent Laws in Mexico City

Rumors have emerged regarding a proposed “Just and Reasonable Rent Law” by Mexico City’s government, which appears to threaten property ownership in the capital. Critics argue that this law might legalize the widespread evictions and property seizures that the government has failed to address adequately, leaving hundreds of complaints unresolved.

Historical Context

Another theory suggests that by setting rent limits for private residences and buildings, Sheinbaum’s team may be overlooking the consequences of a similar policy implemented 85 years ago, which led to frozen rents and contributed to the deterioration of Mexico City’s central district.

Pressure on State Governors

Holding State Governors Accountable

Some state governors have grown accustomed to the federal government implementing programs to alleviate issues that, ideally, they should address. This lack of attention has resulted in local conflicts and social-political challenges for the federal government.

It may be time to demand more responsibility from these complacent governors and apply presidential pressure to stabilize local issues, as Mexico can ill-afford further instability.

Miscellaneous Notes

Aircraft Maintenance and Accident Investigations

The Mexican Defense Secretary has issued a call for bids to repair and maintain its heavily used helicopter fleet. Given the wear and tear, it might be prudent to allocate a budget for renewing military air fleets. Aircraft accident investigations are meticulous, often taking six months or more to determine causes.

Violence in Colima
The assassination of a former state government security official exemplifies the violence plaguing Colima, one of Mexico’s smallest states.

Time Management
As Herbert Spencer once observed, “Man is the only animal that dies of overwork, but there is no animal that enjoys it.”

  1. Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? – Sheinbaum is the Head of Government for Mexico City, known for her pragmatic approach to governance and left-leaning political affiliations.
  2. What are Trump’s drug war threats? – President Trump declared fentanyl and those who smuggle it into the U.S. as weapons of mass destruction, labeling them as terrorists and threatening extraterritorial actions against them.
  3. What is the controversy surrounding Mexico City’s housing rent laws? – Critics argue that the proposed “Just and Reasonable Rent Law” might legalize widespread evictions and property seizures, failing to address hundreds of unresolved complaints.
  4. Why is pressure being applied to state governors? – State governors have grown accustomed to the federal government implementing programs for local issues, leading to social-political challenges for the federal government.
  5. What are some miscellaneous notes from the article? – The article mentions the need for helicopter fleet maintenance, the lengthy process of aircraft accident investigations, and the violence in Colima.
  • Q: Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? A: Sheinbaum is the Head of Government for Mexico City, known for her pragmatic approach to governance and left-leaning political affiliations.
  • Q: What are Trump’s drug war threats? A: President Trump declared fentanyl and those who smuggle it into the U.S. as weapons of mass destruction, labeling them as terrorists and threatening extraterritorial actions against them.
  • Q: What is the controversy surrounding Mexico City’s housing rent laws? A: Critics argue that the proposed “Just and Reasonable Rent Law” might legalize widespread evictions and property seizures, failing to address hundreds of unresolved complaints.
  • Q: Why is pressure being applied to state governors? A: State governors have grown accustomed to the federal government implementing programs for local issues, leading to social-political challenges for the federal government.
  • Q: What are some miscellaneous notes from the article? A: The article mentions the need for helicopter fleet maintenance, the lengthy process of aircraft accident investigations, and the violence in Colima.