Over a two-week period, beginning on Aug. 25, both the U.S. and Mexico were hit with devastating natural disasters. In such times, offering aid relief and support to a neighbor and long-time ally is usual. However, in this instance, Mexico played the role of good neighbor while the U.S. faltered in its role.

During Hurricane Harvey, President Trump tweeted that the wall between the U.S. and Mexico must be built, Mexico would pay for it through reimbursement if not directly and the allegedly high crime rate in Mexico made the wall necessary to protect U.S. citizens. The Mexican government responded by saying it would not pay for the wall, but it would definitely provide support and aid to Texas, as it had done very effectively to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

President Trump neither acknowledged nor accepted Mexico’s generous offer.

Then Mexico suffered an 8.1 magnitude earthquake and Hurricane Katia, causing death tolls greater than those seen in Texas and widespread damage. President Trump did not send condolences or offer aid and support to Mexico. 

The Mexican government then announced that it must redirect its resources to helping its distressed citizens and focus on repairs needed within its own borders. It formally rescinded its offer of aid and has been criticized in some quarters for doing so. 

Even when countries face difficult negotiations, as Mexico and the U.S. currently do over NAFTA, they can and should acknowledge offers of support when those offers are extended, accept the aid when the help is needed and reciprocate when the other country needs assistance. President Trump did none of those. 

By contrast, Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas did all three of those steps and Mexico has expressed its gratitude toward Governor Abbott. The relationship between Mexico and Texas has been strengthened because of that respectful exchange.

On a national level, Mexico tried to be a good neighbor, but circumstances compelled it to turn its attention inward to helping its own citizens first. In this situation, it was the U.S. government that disappointed us.