MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum offered a witty retort to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, mocking his suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." Standing in front of a 17th-century map, Sheinbaum proposed that perhaps North America should be called "América Mexicana," or "Mexican America," referencing an 1814 document that predated Mexico's constitution. "That sounds nice, no?" she quipped, emphasizing the historical naming of the Gulf of Mexico since 1607 (AP News).

The playful exchange points to the ongoing challenges in the relationship between the two neighboring powers, particularly regarding Trump's prior promises that include mass deportations and heavy tariffs. Sheinbaum expressed doubts about maintaining the same rapport that her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, had fostered with Trump, given her distinct political stance as Mexico's first female president and a scientist lacking the populist charm of López Obrador (SCMP).

While Sheinbaum’s quip garnered a swift reaction across social media, it also indicated the tone for potential future interactions with Trump. "Humor can be a good tactic; it projects strength, which is what Trump responds to," observed Brian Winter, vice president at the Council of the Americas. Nonetheless, he noted that this humorous approach may not be effective for every diplomatic challenge they will face, particularly concerning immigration and trade (The Guardian).

In her recent engagements, Sheinbaum has shown a mix of firmness and cooperation. Regarding Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, she warned that any such imposition would result in reciprocal measures from Mexico, emphasizing that any tax increase could lead to inflation and job losses on both sides of the border (The Daily Beast).

Sheinbaum’s diplomatic stance appears to lean towards a coordinated effort to address ongoing immigration issues, whereby Mexico may accept deportees from other nations while retaining control over who is admitted and under what conditions. "We are going to collaborate and understand each other with the government of President Trump while defending our sovereignty as a free, independent, and sovereign country," she stated (CBS News).