On February 10, 2025, on the program "Largo Aliento" (upcoming broadcast), Paco Ignacio Taibo II made an alarming statement.
He stated that those who declare themselves Trumpists assume the consequences of treason to the homeland. He also mentioned the execution of Maximiliano de Habsburgo at Cerro de las Campanas. With this, he suggested that such punishment could be applied to the supporters of the former U.S. president.
This could be seen in a video clip shared by Sabina Berman herself on her X account as a promo for the program on Thursday, February 13.
You know what? The one who today declares themselves a Trumpist (for Donald Trump) assumes the consequences of treason to the homeland. That ugly.
Meanwhile, I would say again, there is still land on Cerro de las Campanas, where Maximiliano was executed.
Because treason to the homeland is not something I just made up, treason to the homeland is punishable. By how much? To a death penalty.
And that's how they were executed. Miramón, Mejía, Maximiliano.
-Paco Ignacio Taibo II
Sabina Berman and Paco Ignacio Taibo II in Largo Aliento | La Derecha Diario
Out of place comparisons
Taibo II tried to justify his stance with a historical argument. He recalled that treason to the homeland had severe punishments in Mexico. He mentioned the executions of Miramón, Mejía, and Maximiliano after the French intervention.
Comparing the current situation with a 19th-century conflict is exaggerated and dangerous. Mexico was experiencing a war between Republicans and Monarchists, not an ideological debate. Today, sympathizing with a foreign politician doesn't represent a threat to national sovereignty.
Painting execution of Maximiliano | La Derecha Diario
An attack on freedom of thought and expression
Taibo II's statements go beyond a simple opinion. Saying that supporting Trump is treason to the homeland is an attack on freedom of expression; especially considering his position as director of the Fondo de Cultura Económica.
In a democracy, every citizen has the right to choose their political preferences without being threatened.
History has shown that criminalizing thought leads to totalitarian regimes. Is this what Taibo II proposes? In a country with democratic institutions, dissent must be respected. Although that is not the case in Mexico, where democratic institutions have ended.
The responsibility of public figures
Those who hold public office or have influence in society must act with prudence and responsibility. Their words can ignite conflicts or promote peace. In this case, Taibo II's statements only generate more division.
Mexico must reject these discourses. Democracy is based on freedom of thought and mutual respect. No one should be threatened for their political ideology, especially not by a public official.
La Derecha Diario 
