Mexico's Murder Problem, Russian Spies, and Renegotiating USMCA | The Hard Country Ep. 33

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo react to recent revelations about Russian spies residing in Mexico, President Trump threatening Mexico with higher tariffs over a water treaty, and opportunities to extract concessions in the upcoming USMCA trade agreement review.

They also discuss Mexico's refusal to give up cartel-connected political figures, President Claudia Sheinbaum's response to nine Mexican mayors being murdered in the past year, and Joshua's latest op-ed on Venezuela.

Referenced in this episode:

• New York Times: The U.S. Gave Mexico a List of Russian Spies. Mexico Let Them Stay.
• Reuters: Trump threatens Mexico with 5% tariff increase over water dispute
• Wall Street Journal: How to Save Trump’s USMCA
• Wall Street Journal: ‘Welcome to America!’ Captured Drug Lords Choose: Snitch or Suffer
• Wall Street Journal: Mexico’s President Has a Murder Problem
• Sheinbaum Announces the Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice
• National Review: What Brought the Trump Administration to the Brink with the Venezuelan Regime

Creators and Guests

Host

Ariana Guajardo

Ariana Guajardo is a videographer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation with a passion for video editing and graphic animation. Ariana was originally born in Austin, but spent most of her life in the Rio Grande Valley.

Host

Joshua Treviño

Joshua S. Treviño is the Chief of Intelligence and Research at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, in which role he explores pathways for future Foundation action and develops forecasts for Texas and the nation. Prior to his service as CIO, he was vice president of strategy at the Illinois Policy Institute in Chicago and a United States Army officer.

What is The Hard Country?

Joshua Treviño and Melissa Ford of the Texas Public Policy Foundation discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, border security, and some Texas history.