The former military officer and ex-CIA agent is known for his closeness to Bukele and his extensive knowledge in gathering information
During his confirmation hearing in March, Johnson was evasive when asked directly about a possible U.S. military intervention in Mexican territory.
"Our first desire would be to act in collaboration with our Mexican partners," he said, without ruling out other alternatives.
The United States Senate ratified Ronald Johnson as the new ambassador to Mexico this Wednesday. With a vote of 49 in favor, the former military officer and former CIA agent received approval to be the U.S. representation in Mexico.
His appointment comes during a moment of tensions in security and migration matters between both countries.
Johnson, originally from Alabama, had already held the U.S. embassy in El Salvador during Donald Trump's administration. There, he earned the trust of President Nayib Bukele, with whom he maintained a close relationship.
His closeness with Bukele raised questions about his impartiality and his diplomatic role in complex situations.
This new ambassador is considered a strategic profile due to his military experience, as he has over 30 years in the U.S. Army. In addition to his time at the CIA, where he was a technology liaison with the Special Operations Command.
His history suggests a tough stance against organized crime, which raises concerns about the direction bilateral cooperation with Mexico will take in security matters.
Johnson's arrival in Mexico coincides with a complex scenario in the country. The uncontrolled violence, the territorial control of cartels, and a national security strategy that, under the Morena government, has shown limited results.
The appointment of the new ambassador could mark a shift in international pressure on Mexico. Particularly if Claudia Sheinbaum's administration fails to contain the drug trafficking crisis it inherited and that has worsened in recent years.
Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, celebrated Johnson's confirmation as "great news," considering that it will promote a stronger relationship with Mexico.
In a context of diplomatic decisions that respond to geopolitical urgencies and not to ideological coincidences, his presence could be seen as a clear message. The United States is willing to harden its stance if Mexico doesn't act decisively.
