The Donald Trump administration continues to escalate pressure on Mexico. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that Mexico is on a list of “foreign adversary” countries.
In response to a question from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who questioned whether the United States would be intimidated by Iran, Bondi said: “I think Donald Trump has said it loud and clear. Let us not be intimidated, and we will keep the United States safe thanks to his leadership. Not just from Iran, but also from Russia, China, Mexico—from any foreign adversary.”
Despite the negative rhetoric that has characterized the Trump administration regarding migration and drug trafficking, Mexico has historically been considered a U.S. ally. Now, for the first time, a high-level official is placing the country in the same category as other nations hostile to U.S. interests. “Whether they try to kill us physically or by causing drug overdoses in our children, thanks to (Trump’s) leadership, we will do everything possible to keep the United States safe,” Bondi added.
The comments come one day after another key Senate hearing on the US-Mexico bilateral relationship. DEA Special Agent in Charge Matt Allen testified before the Judiciary Committee that there is evidence that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel spied on officials and informants in the US during the trial of Rubén Oseguera González, known as “El Menchito.”
The exchange between Bondi and Graham revealed the level of discontent within the Trump administration regarding the Mexican government’s efforts to combat the cartels.
“Is Mexico helping us with the drug problem?” the South Carolina senator asked.
“Senator, it would be better to have that conversation in a classified setting,” Bondi countered.
“What I want to say publicly: No, it isn’t. They should know that cartels rule half their country. We’ll never be safe here until we get Mexico to change its strategy. I’d be happy to speak with you privately. But enough about Mexico,” Graham said again.
“The Sinaloa Cartel has wreaked havoc in our country, and continues to wreak havoc. And the fentanyl keeps coming in,” the Attorney General responded.
“Enough of that crap. We’re going after them with or without Mexico’s help because I don’t know what the right response is against a neighbor that allows this kind of illegal activity to enter our country and kill more young people than any other method,” the senator concluded.
Source: Codigo Magenta
