Trump Administration Orders Review of All 53 Mexican Consulates in U.S.; PRI Petitions State Dept for Morena FTO Designation

Two major diplomatic escalations emerged on May 7–8, 2026: (1) Trump Consulate Review: The Trump administration ordered a comprehensive review of all 53 Mexican consulates in the United States, according to CBS News reporting confirmed by Proceso. Secretary of State Rubio is reportedly considering closures — a coercive measure the State Department has previously deployed against China and Russia to reduce diplomatic footprint and economic activity. Mexican consulates process millions of services annually for Mexican citizens abroad, including matrícula consular identity documents, passport renewals, CURP registrations, and legal aid for migrant workers. Shuttering them would directly impact millions of Mexican nationals living in the U.S. and complicate Mexico's capacity to support its diaspora. Sheinbaum addressed the review at her May 8 mañanera, firmly defending consular operations and characterizing them as apolitical. (2) PRI Requests Morena FTO Designation: In a move Sheinbaum's government condemned as 'treason,' PRI National President Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas formally petitioned the U.S. State Department to designate Morena — Mexico's ruling party — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, citing alleged electoral alliances between the party and organized crime groups in Sinaloa. The administration said the petition was part of opposition efforts to secure foreign support for domestic political ends — language Sheinbaum has used to characterize opposition leaders 'destined for defeat.'