Today marks the 178th anniversary of the United States' victory in the Mexican-American War, an event recognized for securing the American Southwest and expanding U.S. territory. In a statement commemorating this anniversary, President Donald J. Trump highlighted the historical significance of the conflict and its impact on American sovereignty.
The statement recalls that after Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and later voted to join the United States, tensions over border disputes escalated. In April 1846, Mexican forces ambushed American troops along the Rio Grande, resulting in casualties and prompting President James K. Polk to take military action.
President Trump stated: "Guided by the steadfast belief that our Nation was destined by divine providence to expand to the golden shores of the Pacific Ocean, following the bloody War of 1812, the United States was confidently advancing westward and boldly emerging as a continental superpower unlike anything the modern world had ever seen."
He continued: "With the promise of Manifest Destiny beating in every American heart, President James K. Polk took swift action to defend our Nation’s security, our dignity, and our sovereign borders. In May of 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, with two American titans—Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott—leading the charge."
American forces achieved several victories despite being outnumbered, ultimately capturing Mexico City in September 1847. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, formally ceding significant territory from Mexico to the United States.
Reflecting on current policies influenced by this legacy, President Trump said: "Since taking office as the 47th President of the United States, 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." He added: "My Administration is halting the flow of deadly drugs entering our country through Mexico, ending the invasion of illegal aliens along our southern border, and dismantling narco-terrorist networks all across the Western hemisphere."
He also mentioned securing trade deals with countries including El Salvador and Argentina and efforts to prevent foreign control over strategic locations such as the Panama Canal.
Concluding his message for America’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations (America 250), President Trump stated: "On this anniversary of one of our Nation’s earliest displays of military might—and particularly as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence—we honor the memory of the brave men who gave their lives in service to our Nation. One hundred and seventy-eight years later, their legacy lives on in our enduring strength, our commitment to sovereignty, and the unmatched power of the American spirit."
