Mexico’s New Foreign Secretary: Navigating U.S. Relations in the Trump Era

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has designated Roberto Velasco as the country’s new foreign minister, appointing a seasoned diplomat specializing in North American relations to lead the ministry during a period of critical tension between Mexico and the United States.

The appointment was announced by the president’s office on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, via the social platform X. Velasco, a 38-year-old lawyer, replaces Juan Ramón de la Fuente, a 74-year-old psychiatrist and key member of the Sheinbaum administration who requested to step down for health reasons.

Professional Background and Expertise

Velasco is regarded as one of the primary experts on the technical complexities of bilateral relations between Mexico and the U.S. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and has spent six years managing Mexico’s foreign relations with the United States, and Canada.

Prior to this appointment, Velasco served as the foreign ministry’s subsecretary for North America and previously held the role of North America general director. His experience spans both the conclusion of Donald Trump’s first presidential term and his current second term.

During his tenure in the foreign ministry, Velasco has led various trilateral and bilateral negotiations focusing on several high-priority areas, including:

• Migration and border management
• National security
• Economic relations
• The management of shared water resources

Velasco has previously demonstrated his ability to lead the ministry, having stepped in for Juan Ramón de la Fuente for several weeks following a surgery the previous minister underwent in 2025.

Strategic Context of the Appointment

The transition in leadership at the foreign ministry occurs as President Sheinbaum seeks to prioritize the relationship with the United States. The appointment of a young official with deep technical knowledge of U.S. Politics is seen as a strategic move to navigate the challenges posed by the second administration of Donald Trump.

The shift in leadership comes at a time when Mexico-U.S. Ties are described as being in a critical state, requiring a diplomat capable of managing the intricacies of bilateral negotiations on security and migration.

To officially assume the role of foreign minister, Velasco’s appointment must be ratified by the Mexican Senate.