Outrage in Mexico at Trump praise for 'legendary' 19th-century US invasion
Source: The Guardian
Tue 3 Feb 2026 16.18 EST
Last modified on Tue 3 Feb 2026 16.31 EST
A message from Donald Trump celebrating the 19th-century US invasion of its southern neighbour and the subsequent loss of more than half its territory has touched a historical nerve in Mexico, with some seeing it as a veiled threat for future incursions.
Reacting to the US presidents statement, which described the invasion as a legendary victory, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexicos president, said during her morning news conference on Tuesday: We must always defend our sovereignty. Others were less subtle in their criticism. Never, in the recent annals of Mexico-US relations had we seen anything like this, wrote the former Mexican ambassador to the US Arturo Sarukhan, on X. This is not only spiking the ball in the end zone; its an in your face F
You.
The message, posted by the White House on Monday, said the US-Mexico war reasserted American sovereignty, and expanded the promise of American independence across our majestic continent.
But the conflict has long been a historical sore spot for Mexico: Following the capture of Mexico City by US troops in 1847, Mexico gave away 55% of its pre-war territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, much of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/mexico-leaders-react-trump-invasion
FakeNoose
(40,639 posts)Since when do neighbors and "friends" celebrate the outcome of a disastrous war that happened almost 175 years ago? If the European leaders talked to each other like Chump does, there would never be peace in Europe.
BumRushDaShow
(167,001 posts)He (via Stephen Miller) wants to take over the entire Western Hemisphere.
FakeNoose
(40,639 posts)Thank the good Lord!
BumRushDaShow
(167,001 posts)(and saying the same about Turtle too).
twodogsbarking
(17,887 posts)Torchlight
(6,499 posts)For the rest of planet and us, though...? Not so much.
70sEraVet
(5,340 posts)Mexico wouldn't sell its territory to the US for the price we were offering, so we created a justification for war. There was no aspect of that war that is worthy of any pride on our part.
But I suppose that, for this current regime, a 'naked land-grab' is an admirable act.
SergeStorms
(20,185 posts)in the Big Orange Pig's mind. He's never attempted bargaining or compromise. Those are for "weaklings" in his opinion, and only one of the reasons other world leaders despise him.