Donald Trump has reaffirmed his stance amid backlash over new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Just two weeks into his second term, Trump has already signed a record number of executive orders, including those affecting passports and immigration.
The new tariffs, taking effect February 4, impose a 25% duty on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on China. Trump justifies the move as a way to hold these nations accountable for illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl. “There is growing production of fentanyl in Canada,” the order states, citing record border seizures.
As tensions rise, Trump dismissed critics on Truth Social: “Anybody that’s against Tariffs… is only against them because these people or entities are controlled by China.”
The tariffs will impact everyday costs, with rising prices expected on food, electronics, alcohol, and auto parts. Mexico supplies nearly two-thirds of imported vegetables and half of fruits and nuts. China-made smartphones will see a 10% price hike, and Tonka trucks—manufactured in China—may also become more expensive. Gas prices could rise by 30 to 70 cents per gallon due to Canadian oil tariffs.
With Canada and Mexico responding with counter-tariffs, the economic fallout remains uncertain.
