President Donald Trump is engaging in crucial discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as tensions escalate over new tariffs.
The clock is ticking, and unless an agreement is reached, Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian imports will go into effect at midnight tonight.
The political adversaries have already spoken on the phone, and Trump has confirmed that they will meet again later today.
Trump’s Defense of the Tariffs
On social media, Trump defended his decision to impose these tariffs, framing them as part of his broader efforts to tackle the drug crisis.
He criticized Canada for its restrictions on U.S. banks and pointed out the ongoing drug trade coming through both Canada and Mexico.
Trump emphasized the devastating impact of illegal drugs on American communities, making it clear that this tariff war is, in his view, a response to a much larger drug crisis.
Trudeau’s Retaliation and Potential Consequences
In response to Trump’s tariffs, Canada’s leadership is preparing for retaliation.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that he will “rip up” a major government contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink technology, signaling that the tariffs are being taken seriously by Canadian officials.
Ford is also halting contracts with U.S. companies until the tariffs are lifted.
A Temporary Pause from Mexico
Meanwhile, in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that a diplomatic breakthrough has led to a temporary pause on the tariffs for one month.
Mexico has promised to bolster its border security with 10,000 additional National Guard troops to combat drug trafficking, while the U.S. has agreed to assist with controlling the flow of weapons into Mexico.
Trump’s Stance on Drug Trafficking and the Tariffs
White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett made it clear that Trump’s decision to impose tariffs is part of his ongoing war on drugs, not a trade war.
Hassett attempted to ease market fears by explaining that Trump was specifically targeting the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous substances coming through Canada and Mexico.
He also stated that Mexico is taking stronger action to address the issue, while Canada has misunderstood the true intent behind the tariffs.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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