Can Claudia Sheinbaum Speak English?

Claudia Sheinbaum might be the president of Mexico now, but she has been on the global stage for years. So naturally, people have started asking if she can speak English. The short answer is yes — she definitely can. But she doesn’t use it all the time, and there’s a good reason why. While she’s capable of speaking English, she sticks to Spanish most of the time, especially in public events, interviews, and press conferences.

Her Education Background Shows That She Learned English Through Science And International Research Work

Sheinbaum’s connection to English didn’t come from politics — it came from science. She earned her PhD in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and did a lot of academic work that involved English-language research. She even worked with international teams during her time at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, which is part of the United States Department of Energy.

According to academic records and interviews from the early 2000s, she published peer-reviewed studies in English and presented at global conferences. That means she had to be fluent enough to write and speak on technical topics with scientists from around the world. In fact, one of her published works, titled Energy Use in Mexican Transport, appeared in an American scientific journal and was entirely in English.

So yes, Sheinbaum has the academic-level English skills that allowed her to work and communicate internationally well before she entered politics.

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She Mostly Uses Spanish During Public Speeches Because Her Audience Is Primarily Mexican And Spanish-Speaking

Even though she is English fluent, Claudia Sheinbaum generally doesn't use it in interviews or political discourse — and it's no wonder why. Her constituents, supporters, and members of staff are predominately Hispanic, and she is addressing them directly. Addressing them in Spanish in press conferences and in addresses to the country keeps the message plain and communicable.

Throughout her term as Mexico City's mayor from 2018 to 2023, the majority of her public discourse — social media postings, city announcements, and emergency notices — were in the Spanish language. This was the same during the presidential race in 2024.

It isn’t a question of if she can speak English or not, it's a question of the language she uses when it counts. She is more comfortable speaking in Spanish and it is also the official language of Mexico, so there isn't really a need on her part to change unless the situation requires it.

She Has Used English In International Settings And Conferences But Keeps It Professional And Straightforward

When Sheinbaum travels for international conferences or attends climate summits, she has been seen and heard speaking English — especially in one-on-one discussions, side meetings, or press interactions. For example, during COP26 and other environmental events, she spoke to scientists, researchers, and politicians from countries like the UK, Germany, and the United States.

She doesn’t use flashy or overly complex words — her English is clear and straight to the point, with a bit of an accent, but definitely understandable. It’s the kind of English that works well in formal meetings, which is perfect for her background in science and public policy.

In fact, during a World Cities Summit in 2021, she answered some moderator questions in English before switching to Spanish for the longer responses. She showed she could go back and forth if needed but chose to explain more in her native language.

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Sheinbaum’s Ability To Speak English Gives Her An Advantage In International Politics Even If She Uses It Selectively

Being bilingual (or even semi-bilingual) is a major deal in international politics. Sheinbaum's English provides the ability to speak for Mexico directly in international conversations, not always requiring the presence of an interpreter. It makes diplomacy more efficient and indicates that she can stand on her own during high-level meetings.

As a president, this will serve her during meetings with English-speaking leaders such as the U.S., Canada, or the UK. Although she will likely use translators in official meetings (the norm for global leaders), it will give her more control in the dialogue by enabling her to both understand and reply in English.

Claudia Sheinbaum Speaks English Well Enough To Lead Globally But Stays Rooted In Spanish When Speaking To Her People

At the end of the day, Claudia Sheinbaum is fluent enough in English to lead internationally, but she stays loyal to Spanish when it comes to her role as president. It’s not about showing off language skills — it’s about connecting with people. And she knows how to do that well in her own language, while still being ready for international moments when they come. So yes, she speaks English. She just uses it when it makes sense — and not when it doesn’t.