Trump threatens to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office
SUMMARY
President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to implement sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China as part of his strategy to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He vowed to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office, citing their role in what he called an "invasion" of drugs and illegal immigrants. Trump also pledged a 10% tariff on Chinese imports until fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. is stopped, highlighting prior unproductive discussions with China on the issue. The tariffs, he argued, would protect American borders and save lives, though critics warn they could increase prices on essentials like gas and cars. Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, supports tariffs as a tool for achieving foreign policy goals, including combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking. These proposals aim to reaffirm Trump's hardline stance on securing U.S. borders and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
