In recent news White House officials have now confirmed that Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexican President has called off the meeting with President Trump at Washington this week. The announcement of this largely anticipated visit was viewed as the sign of improving bilateral relationships between Mexico and America. However, the latest disagreement comes as serious blow to disrupt the negotiation process between the two countries.
“The two leaders have agreed that now is not the best time to talk however they both have agreed for their teams to continue to talk and work together”. However, sources close to White house confirmed that the tentative visit was called off because Trump would not agree to officially maintained stance of Mexico that it won’t contribute to pay for the construction of border wall between two countries.
An official from white house told media representatives that it was futile and counterproductive to arrange the meeting between the two leaders as Trump won’t budge from his position. Washington Post which first broke the news reported “that two presidents were engaged in a telephonic conversation for more than 50 minutes on Tuesday”. A Mexican official said “Trump apparently lost his temper on call and he was very frustrated, as Trump believes it is very unreasonable for Mexican President to force Trump into backing off from his promise which he proclaimed in his 2016 Election Campaign which clearly stated Mexico will pay for the wall”
Earlier in 2018, at David Camp where Trump was meeting with Congressional Republicans he insisted again “I believe Mexico will pay for the wall”. Trump’s administration view the border wall a key factor with significant impact on political support groups for newly elected President. This is further strengthened by the fact that in recent proposed budget Trump has requested for $23 billion for improving the wall security. Back in July 2017, President Pena had refused to meet president as Trump threatened to impose tax on Mexican products to pay for the wall.
When Mr. Trump visited Mexico in August 2016, it was mutually agreed between the two sides not to talk about the border wall. But Mr. Pena was largely criticized by Mexicans for his failure to state at a joint conference that Mexico will not pay for the wall. Opinion walls have clearly reflected that how delicate is this topic for Mexican Public. News from Mexico clearly exhibit the disliking Mexicans have for Trump and his immigration policies. The visit of President Trump in August had led to resignation of Mexican Finance Minister after his involvement in arranging the meeting with Trump had surfaced.
For decades’ Open borders have allowed drugs and guns to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low wage workers to compete for jobs against the poorest Americans”, said President Trump. It is interesting to note that in few months of Trump’s presidency illegal immigrations across the South borders have sharply declined which has led to a strong support among public for increasing the public security.