Trump accused of distorting history of Mexican-American War to justify heavy hand in Latin America [View all]

Source: Associated Press

Trump accused of distorting history of Mexican-American War to justify heavy hand in Latin America

By MEGAN JANETSKY
Updated 6:53 PM EST, February 3, 2026

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Historians and observers accused the Trump administration of trying to rewrite American history to justify its own foreign policy decisions toward Latin America by posting a “historically inaccurate” version of the Mexican-American war.

The Monday statement from the White House commemorating the anniversary of the war described the conflict as a “legendary victory that secured the American Southwest, reasserted American sovereignty, and expanded the promise of American independence across our majestic continent.” The statement drew parallels between the period in U.S. history and its own increasingly aggressive policies toward Latin America, which it said would “ensure the Hemisphere remains safe.”

“Guided by our victory on the fields of Mexico 178 years ago, I have spared no effort in defending our southern border against invasion, upholding the rule of law, and protecting our homeland from forces of evil, violence, and destruction,” the statement said, though it was unsigned.

In the post, the White House makes no mention of the key role slavery played in the war and glorifies the wider “Manifest Destiny” period, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans from their land.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-mexican-american-war-2b48c697d4c93dfa8e8d3245f75e7110