After almost three years at the helm of the US embassy in Mexico, Ken Salazar is preparing for his official farewell. This Monday, Salazar gave his last press conference, closing a chapter marked by important challenges and changes in the relationship between the two countries.
Ken Salazar: A Change of Direction in Bilateral Diplomacy
Salazar‘s departure coincides with the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, which anticipates a shift in policies towards Mexico. Salazar‘s administration, characterised by cooperation and dialogue, will give way to a strategy more focused on pressure and transactional agreements, under the leadership of the new ambassador, Ronald Johnson.
Since his arrival in 2021, Salazar has stood out for his political approach and his ability to build bridges with the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. His approachable style and commitment to the bilateral relationship led to significant advances, such as the Bicentennial Security Agreement and an increase in extraditions.
Despite these achievements, the relationship was not without tensions. The capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Mexico’s controversial judicial reform generated friction, which intensified towards the end of Salazar‘s term. The ambassador’s criticism of certain Mexican policies and the López Obrador government’s response to them signalled a rupture in the relationship.
The Future of the US-Mexico Relationship
With the appointment of Ronald Johnson, a former military officer with extensive intelligence experience, a new dynamic in bilateral diplomacy is expected. Johnson‘s tenure will be marked by a more rigorous approach to issues such as migration, trade and security.
Salazar will end his mission with a symbolic event: the presentation of the new US embassy in Mexico City. This event seeks to highlight the continuity of ties between the two countries, despite the current challenges. As of 7 January, Salazar will return to his life in Colorado, leaving behind a legacy of efforts to strengthen the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
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