On a crisp November day, President Joe Biden shared his thoughts from the Rose Garden at the White House, addressing the media about a matter that had stirred quite a bit of debate. Biden openly criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, labeling the proposal as “counterproductive.”
In response to a reporter’s inquiry about Trump’s surprising announcement, Biden expressed his hope that Trump might reconsider his stance. “The last thing we need is to upset those crucial relationships,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ties with neighboring countries. His comments were made during a Thanksgiving Day visit to a Nantucket fire station in Massachusetts, adding a personal touch to the national issue.
Earlier in the week, Trump had declared on Truth Social that his incoming administration would enforce a sweeping 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. These two nations rank just behind China in terms of supplying goods to the U.S., as per the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Trump justified the tariff as a measure to curb the flow of drugs like fentanyl and illegal immigration into the United States, asserting, “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
Despite the gravity of Biden’s reaction, Trump’s transition team did not immediately offer a comment. Throughout his campaign, Trump had frequently promised to impose stricter tariffs, especially targeting China. Nevertheless, several economists have pointed out that such steep tariffs could potentially lead to higher costs for consumers, calling into question the economic wisdom behind the move.
Adding to the complex narrative, Trump shared on Truth Social that he had engaged in a “wonderful conversation” with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. He claimed she agreed to halt migration through Mexico to the U.S., purportedly ensuring a more secure southern border. However, Sheinbaum’s version of the conversation differed substantially. She emphasized Mexico’s commitment to a humane strategy for managing migration, underscoring, “Our conversation reflected Mexico’s approach to address the migration issue while respecting human rights. We believe in building bridges, not closing borders.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media to address the issue. On X, he mentioned a dialogue with Canada’s premiers focused on trade and jobs in light of the U.S.’s economic decisions. “Our focus centers on protecting Canadian jobs, safeguarding our borders, and strengthening our partnership with the United States,” Trudeau said, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing a strong bilateral relationship amidst the challenging geopolitical landscape.
