WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday after Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto cancelled his trip to the United States amid President Trump’s provocations regarding border security:

“Less than one week after taking office, President Trump is already causing serious damage to one of our most important relationships in the world. U.S. national security depends directly on cooperation with our neighbors. From addressing border security and drug trafficking to migration and economic issues, the United States is safer and stronger when we collaborate with Mexico.

“President Trump’s divisive rhetoric and antagonistic policies are undermining our deepest values. His intention to waste billions of taxpayer dollars on a costly border wall that won’t work is misguided and only weakens our standing in the world.”