President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Ronald D. Johnson as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico raises concerns about potential military intervention and diplomatic tensions.

At a Glance

• Trump nominates Ronald D. Johnson, former U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, as Ambassador to Mexico
• Johnson’s military background sparks fears of aggressive intervention in Mexico
• Trump proposes military action against drug cartels and tariffs on Mexican exports
• Mexican officials worry about sovereignty and resist U.S. military involvement
• Nomination signals focus on security and immigration, potentially sidelining other issues

Trump Selects Ronald D. Johnson as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Ronald D. Johnson as his choice for U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, a decision that has sparked both confusion and concern. Johnson, not to be confused with Wisconsin’s U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, brings a wealth of experience from his time as U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador and his background with the CIA and U.S. Army.

Trump emphasized Johnson’s role in promoting “America First” foreign policies, posting on Truth Social, “Ron will work closely with our great Secretary of State Nominee, Marco Rubio, to promote our Nation’s security and prosperity through strong America First Foreign Policies.” This announcement, however, led to some media confusion, with some outlets initially misreporting Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson as the nominee.

Concerns Over Military Intervention and Diplomatic Tensions

Johnson’s nomination has raised eyebrows among Mexican officials and international observers due to his extensive military and counter-insurgency experience. The Trump team’s proposal for military intervention in Mexico to target drug cartels and halt migrant movement has further intensified these concerns. Mexican officials, initially dismissive of such ideas, are now reassessing the situation in light of Johnson’s nomination.

“Mexico can expect enormous pressure,” Maureen Meyer, programs vice president at the Washington Office on Latin America, said in an interview. The focus will be almost exclusively on immigration and law enforcement, she predicted, while “issues of concern to the human rights community — reproductive rights, climate, democracy — will all take a step back.”

Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican exports if the country doesn’t curb migrant and fentanyl entry into the U.S. has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Economists warn that such tariffs could harm both U.S. and Mexican economies, potentially exacerbating migration issues rather than solving them.

BREAKING: Donald Trump and his team are reportedly debating “how much” to invade Mexico once he takes office, per the Independent.

Trump and his transition team staff are discussing a “soft invasion” of the country, Rolling Stone reported. pic.twitter.com/PmRMcRB9Aw

— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) December 22, 2024

Mexican Resistance and Sovereignty Concerns

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to resist Trump’s military-heavy approach, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty. The prospect of U.S. military action within Mexico has reignited skepticism about U.S. intervention, with many Mexicans wary of past U.S. involvement in their country’s security matters.

“We are going to collaborate .. but without subordinating ourselves,” wrote Sheinbaum on X.

Security cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico has already diminished in recent years, partly due to incidents like the arrest of a former Mexican defense secretary. Johnson’s nomination and Trump’s proposed policies may further strain this relationship, potentially complicating efforts to address shared challenges such as drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Implications for U.S.-Mexico Relations

The nomination of Ronald D. Johnson signals a narrow focus on security and immigration issues, potentially sidelining other important aspects of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Trump’s plan to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, potentially authorizing U.S. military action, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. However, there is uncertainty about Trump’s ability to unilaterally implement these measures without Mexican government approval.

As the situation unfolds, both countries face the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the need for diplomatic cooperation and economic stability. The coming months will likely see intense negotiations and potentially significant shifts in the longstanding relationship between these neighboring nations.