Trump Promises Tariffs Against Mexico and Canada Over Immigration

Donald Trump campaigned on stopping illegal immigration, so it was no surprise that he is already tossing out threats against Canada and Mexico to do their part.  

After promising to hit both countries with 25% tariffs if they do not comply, Joe Biden pushed back.  

Counterproductive 

We all know Trump loves his tariffs, but Joe Biden thinks this is a really bad idea.  

On Trump’s proposal, Biden stated, “I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do. 

“We’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships.” 

I have mixed feelings on tariffs, but I do believe that Trump needs to drop the hammer, especially on Mexico, to do its part in curbing this immigration problem. 

Mexico Threatens Trump 

After Trump announced the tariffs, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum started to talk tough.  

She stated, “President Trump, migration and drug consumption in the United States cannot be addressed through threats or tariffs. What is needed is cooperation and mutual understanding to tackle these significant challenges.” 

“For every tariff, there will be a response in kind, until we put at risk our shared enterprises.” 

She also gave examples of how this could be counterproductive for both countries, stating, “For instance, among Mexico’s main exporters to the United States are General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motor Company, which arrived in Mexico 80 years ago. Why impose a tariff that would jeopardize them? Such a measure would be unacceptable and would lead to inflation and job losses in both the United States and Mexico.” 

Trump Says They Talked 

After the Mexican president made her statement, Donald Trump said the two of them had discussed the matter.  

He posted on Truth Social, "Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.  

“We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation!" 

Pardo, of course, denied that conversation took place, saying she only reiterated her country’s position, so the media is already going after Trump as a liar. Trump has two options here... start having these conversations fully documented to prove he is right, or stop lying about them.