Presidenta of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, accused US President Donald Trump of interference after he revoked visas for Mexican officials, including the son of her predecessor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The incident unfolded this week amid heightened tensions between the two nations, with Sheinbaum calling the move an "interference" into Mexico's internal affairs. The son of former President Lopez Obrador, Andres Manuel Lopez Beltran, publicly challenged Trump’s administration following the revocation of his US visa. In a letter dated August 13, Lopez Beltran alleged that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Under Secretary Christopher Landau ordered the removal of his visa without evidence linking him to any wrongdoing. He accused them of acting out of political bias against his father’s ruling party, Morena, which has governed Mexico since 2018. Lopez Beltran, who served as second-in-command in Morena until May, now seeks election as a federal deputy in Tabasco in the 2027 midterm elections. In the letter, Lopez Beltran questioned whether Trump was aware of the decision, suggesting that if he was, the action reflected a "prepotent" approach. If not, he asked why Trump had not taken action against Rubio and Landau. The letter criticized US policies toward Latin American leaders, citing issues such as racism, drug addiction, and societal unrest. Lopez Beltran dismissed the visa denial as a "vulgar and perverse act" by conservative officials, claiming it was motivated by a "pathological conservative phobia." Sheinbaum responded during a morning press briefing, stating that such visa revocations were part of a broader effort to interfere in Mexico’s matters. She emphasized that while cooperation exists, it should be conducted on equal terms. When asked specifically about Lopez Beltran’s claims, she reiterated that individuals have the right to express their views freely. She also stressed that no country should interfere in another’s internal affairs, underscoring the principle of mutual respect and sovereignty. The US Embassy declined to comment directly on Lopez Beltran’s case, citing confidentiality laws surrounding visa records. A spokesperson told AFP that individual cases could not be disclosed due to legal protections. This lack of transparency fueled further criticism from Lopez Beltran, who argued that the administration was using visa policy as a tool to target political opponents. Since 2025, under Trump’s leadership, several Mexican officials, including mayors and governors, have had their US visas revoked. Local media have linked some of these officials to organized crime, though no formal charges have been filed. The trend reflects a broader hardening of US immigration policies, particularly targeting figures perceived as aligned with leftist governments. Lopez Beltran’s situation adds a new dimension to this pattern, highlighting potential political motivations behind the visa restrictions. As the controversy unfolds, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Lopez Beltran continues to advocate for a reconsideration of his case, while Sheinbaum maintains that Mexico will not tolerate external interference in its political processes. With upcoming elections in Mexico and ongoing diplomatic strains, the resolution of this dispute could influence future relations between the two countries. For now, the fate of Lopez Beltran’s visa and the extent of political maneuvering remain unclear.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
CO
