Nearshore Americas
Mexico Claudia Sheinbau

Sheinbaum Absent, Slim Present at Trump’s Inauguration

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was notably absent from the guest list for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, even as Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim received an invitation.

Representing the Mexican government at the event was Esteban Moctezuma, Mexico’s ambassador to the United States.

According to local media, Francisco Cervantes, leader of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), accompanied Slim to Washington, D.C.

Relations between Mexico and the U.S. remain tense, with President Trump threatening a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, citing Mexico’s alleged failure to curb illegal immigration at the southern U.S. border.

Other Latin American leaders in attendance included Argentinian President Javier Milei and Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador. Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele was invited, but he did not confirm that he would attend.

Bukele’s invitation is reportedly linked to his administration’s efforts in dismantling drug gangs and curbing related violence.

In the meantime, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, announced plans to enhance support for Latin American nations as part of a regional migration initiative. However, the specifics of this plan were not disclosed.

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President Sheinbaum, who spoke with Trump in November about Mexico’s progress on migration and drug trafficking, has emphasized her government’s willingness to cooperate. Despite this, she has taken steps to assert her independence, signaling that Mexico will not bow down to U.S. pressure.

Narayan Ammachchi

News Editor for Nearshore Americas, Narayan Ammachchi is a career journalist with a decade of experience in politics and international business. He works out of his base in the Indian Silicon City of Bangalore.

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