Yesterday, Donald Trump signed an order imposing tariffs to “hold China, Mexico, and Canada accountable” for failing to stop drug trafficking into the U.S. The order enforces a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, alongside a national emergency declaration. The White House stated, “Trump is taking bold action to halt illegal immigration and stop poisonous fentanyl and other drugs.”
The order claims that “enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans” and that illegal crossings from Canada have reached historic highs. Canada responded with a 25% counter-tariff on CA $155 billion of U.S. goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned it will “have real consequences” and could “split” the nations.
Trump suggested Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming “our Cherished 51st State,” arguing, “We pay hundreds of Billions… to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country.”
Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum rejected claims of government ties to criminal organizations, saying, “We will always defend the dignity of our people” and engage in dialogue “without subordination.” The tariffs take effect February 4.
