SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar pondered what life might be like in both countries once Trump takes over as president.
He said that over the last three years, the U.S. and Mexico have developed a strong bond as trading partners unlike anything ever seen before.
“We’re not only the largest trading relationship in United States-Mexico history, but also the largest trading relationship in the history of the world.”
Salazar was asked if President-elect Trump’s desire to impose tariffs on Mexico would hurt economic gains made since the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement was instituted July 1, 2020.
“I can’t speak to what the president-elect will do after January 20th,” he said. “I’m sure the Mexican government, with the communications I’ve had with them, they’re trying to figure it out as well. My own hope and my own experience is that solutions are found when when you work together.”
Salazar also spoke about how immigration policies might change under Trump.
“You look at the numbers we’ve had in 2024 at the border, the president’s proclamation has been effective, the numbers arriving at the border today are lower than they have been ever since before the pandemic,” Salazar said. “There’s a lot to learn from that, but what will the president-elect do? Again, we’ll find out more from him and his team I’m sure on January 20 and beyond.”
After spending the morning in San Diego, Salazar visited the city of Tijuana and toured areas along the Tijuana River to see sewage mitigation projects south of the border.
He also toured Otay Mesa East, a port of entry under construction, which is pretty much done on the Mexico side, but has stalled north of the border and is now two years behind schedule.
“We’re going to get that done,” Salazar said.