Despite ongoing negotiations, Mexican officials, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, are struggling to mitigate the situation. While Trump acknowledged Mexico's contributions to reducing illegal crossings, he argued that the ongoing drug trade and fentanyl trafficking lack sufficient action. Sheinbaum defended her administration’s initiatives, highlighting daily crackdowns on drug labs, and pointed to the need for the U.S. to stem the flow of firearms that bolster cartels. The precarious trade relations hang in the balance as both nations work to address these pressing issues.