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Donald Trump selects ex-CIA officer Ron Johnson as the United States’ Ambassador to Mexico


President-elect Donald Trump announced that Ronald Johnson, the former U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, will be serving as the ambassador to Mexico in his upcoming administration, as stated on Dec. 10.

Pending approval by the U.S. Senate, Johnson will collaborate closely with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been chosen by Trump as the secretary of state, to advance “our Nation’s security and prosperity through strong America First Foreign Policies,” Trump revealed in a post on Truth Social.

Johnson previously served as the ambassador to El Salvador from 2019 to 2021 during Trump’s first term in office.

Trump praised Johnson for his efforts in reducing violent crime and illegal migration in El Salvador to historically low levels during his tenure there.

With over 20 years of experience at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and a background as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army, Johnson holds a Master of Strategic Intelligence degree from the National Intelligence University, according to Trump.

“Congratulations Ron,” Trump congratulated. “Together, we will combat migrant crime, halt the illicit flow of Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our Country, and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!”

As per a January 2021 statement from the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, Johnson possesses extensive experience in various regional issues including refugees, counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, human rights, and tropical virus disease control.

Trump has outlined his intention to enforce a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican imports until Mexico takes a more rigid stance on border security and drug trafficking.

In a social media post on Nov. 24, Trump stated that these tariffs will persist until the flow of drugs, particularly Fentanyl, and illegal immigrants into the U.S. ceases.

The president-elect emphasized that Mexico has the authority and capability to easily resolve what he termed as “a long-standing problem.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs if Trump proceeds with his plan, as per a statement.
In a social media post on Nov. 27, Sheinbaum mentioned her constructive dialogue with Trump regarding Mexico’s efforts to address the border situation, confirming that caravans of potential illegal immigrants heading to the U.S. will be dealt with within Mexico.

“We also discussed enhancing collaboration on security matters within the scope of our sovereignty and our endeavors in the country to combat the consumption of fentanyl,” Sheinbaum detailed.

Sheinbaum informed reporters on Dec. 10 that she is seeking an understanding with Trump to ensure that Mexico does not receive deportees from third countries if a widespread deportation of illegal immigrants from the U.S. is initiated.

Reuters contributed to this report.



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