Building bridges, or walls? Donald Trump heads to Mexico
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Donald Trump is full of surprises, it seems.
Secure our border and stop the drugs from pouring in and destroying our country.
Republican presidential nominee
The US Republican presidential nominee has announced he is visiting Mexico today, on the invitation of President Enrique Peña Nieto.
I have accepted the invitation of President Enrique Pena Nieto, of Mexico, and look very much forward to meeting him tomorrow.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2016
Invitations were extended to both Trump and his opponent in the race for the White House, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
The announcement comes after months of repeatedly vowing to erect a wall between the two countries and saying he’ll make sure Mexico pays for it.
From day one I said that I was going to build a great wall on the SOUTHERN BORDER, and much more. Stop illegal immigration. Watch Wednesday!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2016
Trump will be speaking across the border in Arizona a matter of hours after his meeting with Peña Nieto.
“We are also going to secure our border and stop the drugs from pouring in and destroying our country. And I’ll be talking about that […] in Arizona. Big speech on immigration,” he told crowds gathered at a rally in Washington State.
I will be making a major speech on ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION on Wednesday in the GREAT State of Arizona. Big crowds, looking for a larger venue.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2016
Trump has given mixed messages about his intentions for Hispanics in the US.
What do African-Americans and Hispanics have to lose by going with me. Look at the poverty, crime and educational statistics. I will fix it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2016
Some 16 hours before announcing the trip to Mexico, Trump was still pledging to erect a physical barrier between the US and its southern neighbour.
Whether the aim of the visit is to build bridges, rather than walls, remains to be seen.