Mr. Trump is trying use tariffs to force Mexico to better guard its border with the United States, but Mexican officials say the tariffs will only hurt both countries.

Ms Sheinbaum (pictured) won praise at home and abroad for her handling of her mercurial American counterpart. Throughout the confrontation her demeanour was respectful but firm. When Mr Trump ordered tariffs on February 1st, she told her team to prepare countermeasures, but did not publicise the details.