A cordial visit by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to the White House was cancelled by Mexico’s leader on Thursday, January 26. He expressed outraged by President Trump’s urgency to build a border wall. Trump signed an executive order on January 25 for the wall to be constructed.
Peña Nieto was scheduled to be at the White House next Tuesday. On Wednesday night, he expressed discontent with the decision to proceed with building the wall that Donald Trump promised throughout his presidential campaign. Still, he plans to meet with Trump next week to discuss important negotiations, according to CNN.
Trump unleashes a barrage of policies against Mexico
In addition, Trump has made proposals for policies opposed by Mexico. These include renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. The president also plans to step up deportations of illegal immigrants in the United States.
In an address to the GOP in Philadelphia, PA, Trump said, “The president of Mexico and myself have agreed to cancel our planned meeting.” Unless Mexico is going to treat the United States fairly, with respect, such a meeting would be fruitless.”
Republicans meet to discuss funding
During the Republican meeting, reporters were addressed by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
They revealed plans for up to $15 billion in funding for the wall, but didn’t provide full details on how it would be paid for.
Thus far, Peña Nieto has said Mexico would not bear the cost of the wall, while attempting to be diplomatic towards the Trump administration and maintain relations. Mexico’s president has been under pressure to be more forceful towards the new proposals, although Trump’s spokesman Sean Spicer has said, “We will keep the lines of communication open.”
Discontent surges in Mexico
Regarding the cancelled meeting, Jose Antonio Meade, Mexico’s finance minister revealed the move could add to uncertainty in the financial markets, given the $60 billion trade deficit between the United States and Mexico.
In his address on Wednesday, Peña Nieto stated, “I regret and disapprove of the decision by the United States to continue the construction of a wall that for years has divided us, not united us. Mexico does not believe in walls.”
