Introduction
In the United States, there’s a growing sentiment that close partners have betrayed and misled their trust. No longer are they viewed as reliable neighbors or trading partners. Perhaps the closest ones have been the most confused and slow to react. Mexico has increasingly been portrayed as an unreliable partner in the U.S. public opinion.
Grievances Across the United States
While not universal, this sentiment resonates in Washington D.C. and all 50 states. The complaints revolve around perceived trade abuses, drug trafficking, lax security, misused work visas, and poorly managed scholarships. A Los Angeles Times headline in late 2019 encapsulated the issue: “Death by Mexico: Drug Traffickers Flood the U.S. with Fentanyl.” Vice President J.D. Vance echoed similar concerns, stating, “Europe is dysfunctional today.”
Trade Disputes and Tariffs
Historically close partners have faced increased tariffs. Canada, Mexico, and the European Union are the most visible examples. Canadians were hit with a 10% tariff on energy and 35% on non-T-MEC products, allegedly due to the smuggling of chemical drugs. Mexico received a 25% tariff on all non-trilateral agreement items. Former President Trump famously declared, “Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”
The European Union and NATO have been accused of misusing U.S. security funding. By mid-2025, the EU secured a 15% tariff on most of its exports to the U.S., alongside a 50% U.S. tariff on European steel, aluminum, and copper.
Shifting Interests and Identities
A common mistake among the U.S.’s closest partners is assuming that post-World War II alliances remain unchanged. Both the U.S. and its partners have evolved, with different interests and identities today than in the past. The U.S. now has a distinct demographic, economic, and political profile that may not align with the liberal democracy of yesteryears.
Emotional Content and Cultural Misunderstandings
Beyond material concerns like jobs, migration, and violence, there’s a significant emotional component to the U.S.’s perception of Mexico. Mexico is seen as unreliable because it generates poverty instead of North American growth. Canada should also contribute, according to this view.
A lack of cultural empathy, prevalent in the 1990s, persists. Despite twenty-five years since NAFTA, the Mexican population hasn’t accelerated its English proficiency, a crucial tool for daily interactions with the U.S. Anglophone immigrants commit fewer errors, infractions, and regularize their residency more quickly.
Only about 5% of Mexicans are English-speaking, causing real-world impacts. This October, 5,000 Mexican truck drivers lost their licenses due to insufficient English language skills, according to the National Chamber of Heavy Freight Transportation.
Navigating the New U.S. Society
The U.S., a major economy with internal issues, seeks assistance from its partners. Balancing this while safeguarding national interests is challenging. Promoting the “weakened idea” of a three-country North American bloc with shared advantages is crucial for approaching the new U.S. society and its members.
Engaging in English, whether through figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani or Indian-American presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, is essential for building bridges.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main grievances of the U.S. against its partners? The U.S. complains about trade abuses, drug trafficking, lax security, misused work visas, and poorly managed scholarships.
- How have tariffs affected trade between the U.S. and its partners? Canada, Mexico, and the European Union have faced increased tariffs, straining relations.
- Why is cultural empathy important in U.S.-Mexico relations? A lack of English proficiency among Mexicans causes real-world issues in daily interactions with the U.S.
- What strategies can help improve U.S.-Mexico relations? Promoting shared advantages and engaging in English can foster better understanding and cooperation.
