What is the current status of the Mexico-United States relationship?

Migration, security, and the economy are just some of the topics currently on the agenda for discussions between Mexico and the United States. 

Shannon K. O’Neil, an economist and specialist in global trade issues in Latin America and the United States, analyzed these issues, as well as the first month of Donald Trump’s administration and the repercussions it could have on Mexico. 

The vice president and director of studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, a non-profit organization based in the United States, also highlighted the possibilities for collaboration between the two countries. 

“There is room for compromise. These compromises might involve migrants, as often happens. They could also include moving some production to the United States instead of having it happen in Mexico. 

“They could also involve removing China from Mexico’s supply chain. They could involve security issues and fentanyl. There are many things that can be put on the table,” said O’Neil, who is also Maurice R. Greenberg Chair at the Council. 

The discussion with students and faculty took place as part of Tec de Monterrey’s 2025 Board Meeting.

"“There is room for compromise. These compromises might involve migrants, as often happens".- Shannon O'Neil.

Checks and balances during Trump’s second term

O’Neil said there were checks and balances in place to scrutinize the Trump administration’s plans and projects, one of these being the courts at both federal and state level.  

“We’ve already seen many people turn to the U.S. courts at various levels. So, they are starting to work on issues like USAID, gender-related changes, discrimination, and other issues that have changed within in the last month,” she said. 

She said that another check could be the stock markets, because this administration is concerned about the price of shares. 

“Thus, the stock markets, the bond markets, meaning the price of US debt, could be another control. 

“They care about interest rates. They care about inflation and things like that. So, those market forces could be a check on this administration,” she explained. 

She noted that public opinion was another of the checks and balances that could exist during the Trump administration. 

“This is a president who more or less cares about public opinion. And we have already seen, for example, that the United States saw one of the biggest increases in inflation in a long time in January. 

“And if we look back at the election, one of the big issues that Americans voted on was inflation. We don’t like it when prices go up. People get angry, and that could make people more dissatisfied with this administration,” she said. 

A time for students to get involved

Edna Jaime, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Government at Tec de Monterrey, said that the country is currently at a juncture which may mean opportunities arise for students. 

“There are many things to be worked out in the coming years, and I believe we are in the privileged position where we are not only able to observe what’s happening in our environment but also to influence it,” she said. 

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN READING: