Staff Reports
Senator Lindsey Graham has made it clear that President Trump’s latest round of tariffs is not just a tax on imports; it’s a wake-up call for Mexico and China to clean up their act. The tariffs—25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, with a light 10% on Chinese imports—are being waved around like a baton, signaling that the days of business as usual are over, particularly when it comes to sending poison over the border.
In a recent appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Graham expertly pointed out that Mexico and China could easily dodge these hefty tariffs by simply addressing the underlying issues that propel them. Instead of grumbling about the financial pinch, Graham suggested the two countries focus on halting their nefarious export of fentanyl—a substance responsible for a staggering number of American lives lost. His advice? If you wish to improve relations with the U.S., do your part and stop contributing to the opioid crisis. Reasonable advice, indeed, but one that seems to escape the intellect of politicians in those countries.
Economists and free traders may be dusting off their calculators, lamenting the price hikes on everything from vehicles to gas that these tariffs could entail. But let’s not forget who’s really footing the bill. Those who want to enjoy the fruits of border security must face the reality that a slight increase in prices could very well save lives. After all, ensuring that Americans are safe from foreign poisons may outweigh the temporary inconvenience at the cash register.
Lindsey Graham backs Trump’s tariffs: ‘Old way of doing business is over’https://t.co/IDKyP9X1BN pic.twitter.com/TY9rc6OQVG
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 3, 2025
The reaction from Canada, Mexico, and China has been to prepare their own retaliatory tariffs, but many are left wondering if this will truly deter Trump’s administration. The senator highlighted that the Canadian government has been actively investing in securing the northern border, a move that has not gone unnoticed, and contrasts sharply with Mexico’s lack of action on this front. It’s almost as if Canada is being a responsible neighbor while others are busy stoking the flames of chaos.
Graham reiterated that the intent behind these tariffs isn’t just to raise revenue or bloat government coffers. It’s all about prompting change. If countries can take significant strides to knock off their undesirable practices, these tariffs could very well vanish like a magician’s rabbit. In a political environment where accountability is often a foreign concept, the swift actions by Graham and Trump could signal a new era of trading relationships where national interests, especially those of American citizens, come first.
