FROM THE OUTSIDE | US–Mexico: more than allies

Ambassador Ronald Johnson said that with Mexico “we share much more than a border”

“As someone who has served the United States for over 50 years, I am deeply proud to represent my boss, President Donald Trump, and to be part of his effort to strengthen what may be our most crucial bilateral relationship: that between the United States and Mexico,” said Ambassador Ronald Johnson on Thursday, during an early celebration of U.S. Independence Day.

“‘America First,’” he emphasized, “does not mean ‘America alone.’ I am here in Mexico with open arms and a message of respect, cooperation, and collaboration. I propose that we make the Americas great. Let’s build a cultural, ideological, and political relationship that reflects the magnitude of our commercial ties—the most important in the world!”

Johnson presented, as is fitting for an ambassador, the most positive face of U.S. policy toward Mexico, in contrast to the harsh tone used by figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi. Reflecting her hardline stance, Bondi recently included Mexico among a group of U.S. enemy nations—but it should be noted that Bondi hails from Florida, where there is talk of rebuilding prisons in swamps surrounded by crocodile-filled moats.

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Still, Johnson reminded that “our relationship with Mexico is unique and the most special one, as President Trump has stated. There is no other relationship in the world that has such a profound impact on the daily lives of our people. We are neighbors, partners, friends, and more… we are family. Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives… family.”

But that message came with a warning: “Let me be clear—the border is closed to all illegal activity, and President Trump has been firm in his commitment to combat transnational criminal organizations and narcoterrorist networks that have exploited border weaknesses and threaten our communities—on both sides.”

From Johnson’s perspective, “we share much more than a border. We share trade, innovation, and deep cultural ties. When Mexico thrives, the United States thrives. When we work together, we succeed together.”

That phrase captures both edges of the bilateral relationship. Given the level of social and economic integration, policies and actions in both countries are what some call “intermestic”—international in scope but with domestic impact. While this closeness can be beneficial, it also means that each country’s decisions are subject to heightened scrutiny from the other, shaped by the prevailing political and ideological winds on either side.

Mexico’s challenge lies in its status as the smaller partner in the relationship despite its importance.

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