Sheinbaum Names Gulf of Mexico Train in New Plan

Mexico City — Amid ongoing consultations regarding the renegotiation of the USMCA, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed confidence that her government will reach a favorable agreement with the United States and other nations on trade. During a public address, she also proposed naming the Mexico-Nuevo Laredo train route the "Gulf of Mexico Train."

The announcement was made during President Sheinbaum's accountability report for her first year in government, delivered to a full Zócalo plaza. While enumerating the railway projects underway or set to begin across the country, she paused to conduct an informal poll regarding the name for the Mexico-Nuevo Laredo train.

"Let's see, what do you think? How about we call that train the Gulf of Mexico Train?" Sheinbaum asked the crowd. The audience responded with applause and approval. "Approved by majority," the president celebrated.

The proposal follows a request from former U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the name Gulf of Mexico in the United States in favor of the Gulf of America.

The government of Claudia Sheinbaum will allocate 104,576 million pesos in 2026 for new passenger trains. The route from Mexico City to Laredo, Tamaulipas, is one of the most extensive and will receive a significant portion of these resources. The newly named Gulf of Mexico Train is projected to pass through states such as Tabasco, Veracruz, and Tamaulipas. The first phase of this project is expected to begin construction in the north of the country starting next year.

Defense of Predecessor's Projects

President Sheinbaum also defended the emblematic projects of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. These projects have been the subject of controversy since their inception due to alleged acts of corruption and operational issues, leading to a public perception of failure.

"I inform you —do not believe the lies— I inform you that the Tren Maya has transported 1.7 million passengers since its opening," she stated.

She added that 15 million passengers and almost one million tons of cargo have traveled through the "Felipe Ángeles" International Airport, or AIFA. The Olmec Dos Bocas Refinery produces an average of 270,000 barrels per day of petroleum products. Furthermore, since its creation, 750,000 passengers have flown on Mexicana de Aviación.

Upcoming National Initiatives

As part of her government's broader plans, President Sheinbaum announced that in the coming weeks she will present the prototype of the "Olinia" electric vehicle, the advances of the Semiconductor Design Workshop, and projects for national satellites and a 100 percent Mexican-produced unmanned aerial vehicle.