Mexico's former president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has accused US officials of attempting to weaken the governing party to bolster the opposition, as tensions escalate between the two nations over Washington's probes into several Mexican governors.
Accusations of US Interference
In a lengthy letter posted on X on Wednesday, López Obrador stated: "Some US officials are plotting to weaken Morena and strengthen the right-wing opposition in Mexico with the aim of restoring a subservient, corrupt, mafia-like, and cruel government." The former leader, popularly known as Amlo, also accused officials of employing "Hitler-like propaganda of repeating and repeating lies with an eye toward the upcoming November elections, to continue blaming Mexico for each and every one of their problems."
Rising Tensions
Amlo's letter comes amid heightened friction between Mexico and the US following revelations that CIA agents were operating in Mexico, as well as the Department of Justice's indictment of the governor of Sinaloa on drug trafficking charges in April. The LA Times has also reported that two additional Mexican governors had their US visas revoked and are under investigation by US authorities.
Amlo's Continued Influence
Although reportedly living in retirement on a ranch in southern Mexico, Amlo retains tremendous influence over the Morena party he founded. Mexico's current president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has closely adhered to the former leader's rhetoric and advanced several of his political projects. On Thursday, she displayed Amlo's letter during her morning news conference, reading excerpts and expressing delight: "This debate is so great. Truly. It's so good! Very important."
Reflections on Trump
In the five-page letter, López Obrador also reflected on the "surprising change in President Donald Trump's attitude, especially regarding relations with Mexico." Despite Trump's disparaging comments about Mexicans during his campaign, Amlo and Trump formed an unlikely alliance as populist leaders, finding common ground on trade and security. "There were several issues that we resolved, for the good of our people, through reasoned dialogue and without confrontation," López Obrador wrote.
Speculation on Trump's Transformation
Amlo speculated on why Trump might have changed during his second term, suggesting possible reasons such as changing circumstances, his final term, or that he "increasingly relies on his inexperienced, resentful, and fanatical advisors for decision-making." Amlo indicated the latter as the true cause, stating: "his false friends and advisors, both internal and external, who have been leading him into vile and sinister adventures."
Plea to Trump
López Obrador urged Trump to "tell the parasites surrounding him to go to hell" and concluded by saying, "for everyone's sake, let the other Trump return."
