Ronald Douglas Johnson, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, has an extensive military background. Johnson served as a colonel in the armed forces before joining the CIA, where he was a special advisor to the Special Operations Command. Additionally, he lived in Latin America for five years, giving him experience in the region's issues and he speaks Spanish.
During his appearance before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Johnson indicated that his main goal is to collaborate with Mexican authorities in the fight against organized crime. However, he did not rule out the possibility of carrying out unilateral military actions if the safety of U.S. citizens were at risk. He expressed his commitment to protect the millions of U.S. citizens who live and visit Mexico.
Johnson highlighted the importance and complexity of the relationship between Mexico and the United States, as they share an extensive border. He also mentioned his interest in promoting cooperation with Mexican authorities to stop and deter illegal migration. He praised the measures taken by Mexico to strengthen security at the border, such as the deployment of the National Guard and the extradition of drug traffickers to U.S. justice.
Regarding economic relations, Johnson emphasized that Mexico has become the leading trading partner of the United States, surpassing China in trade exchange. He promised to work to ensure fair treatment for U.S. companies and workers in the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Ronald Douglas Johnson, a graduate of New York University with a master's degree from the U.S. National Intelligence University, is considered an essential partner due to the deep economic integration and strong cultural ties between the two countries. If confirmed as ambassador, he committed to ensuring the rule of law at the border as his highest priority.
