New York: President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning Monday, threatening to impose significant tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China if the countries fail to address issues he claims are contributing to immigration and drug trafficking in the United States.
Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump proposed a 25% tariff on all products entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, citing what he called “ridiculous Open Borders” policies.
“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Trump declared.
He further asserted that both neighboring countries have “the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem” and called on them to take immediate action.
“We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump added.
The president-elect’s statements reflect his long-standing stance on immigration and border control, which has included demands for Mexico to fund the construction of a border wall.
Tariffs on China
In a follow-up post, Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, criticizing the Chinese government for failing to honor commitments to crack down on drug trafficking.
“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” Trump wrote.
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According to Trump, Chinese officials had assured him they would enforce the death penalty against drug dealers but have yet to follow through on this promise.
“Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America,” Trump stated.
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Context
Trump’s rhetoric highlights his broader immigration policy goals, including his continued push to hold foreign governments accountable for issues he perceives as threats to U.S. sovereignty and public safety.
The proposed tariffs reflect his approach to using economic pressure as a tool to achieve policy objectives, both on immigration and drug trafficking.
Trump’s focus on Mexico also ties into his earlier calls for the country to pay for the border wall, this time framing it as a consequence of their role in facilitating the transit of migrants from Central America’s Northern Triangle region—Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
