Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump is setting the stage for a new era of American diplomacy, and he’s starting with a bang: a bold promise of a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. The condition? These neighboring nations need to get their acts together and put an end to the influx of migrants and the deadly fentanyl that’s been flooding over the border. Talk about a wake-up call for both countries, who have seemingly been asleep at the wheel.
In stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach, which resembled more of a slap on the wrist for Mexico’s drug cartels and a blind eye towards migration, Trump is demanding action. No more turning a blind eye while the border turns into a free-for-all. Trump’s message is clear: if you can’t manage your own border, you’re going to pay a hefty price. Good luck trying to use that weak negotiating position with the bulldog of American politics.
NOW – Trump Proposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China to Address the Border & Fentanyl Crisis
"Remember when he made all these campaign promises? The left's criticism was, how are you gonna be able to do this on day one? Well he just showed you. They're already calling him to… pic.twitter.com/8iq5f5VwMm
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 26, 2024
Biden’s previous hands-off approach has led to some rather astonishing results. Drug cartels have effectively been allowed to operate with impunity, leading to a staggering death toll of over 50,000 Americans each year due to fentanyl overdoses. Meanwhile, the do-nothing policies on the southern border also opened the door for various migrants from other countries to enter the U.S. If there were stars for efficiency in migration bottlenecks, Biden would deserve one for unintentionally making it so easy for folks to move north with little scrutiny.
In Trump’s world, however, Mexico will be facing serious consequences if they fail to cooperate. He is not above using tariffs as a negotiation tool, which could push Mexico to sign a deal that assists in curbing illegal migration while potentially allowing for some exemptions for their own nationals. What could be more American than hitting foreign countries where it hurts, economically speaking, until they play ball? This sends a message that America can and will put its interests first.
Adding to the mix, Trump is also locking horns with China, proposing a ten percent tariff on products coming from the country until they step up to help stem the drug flow. This is a refreshing change in strategy that prioritizes American safety and well-being over globalist policies that have seen consequences for U.S. citizens. While the New York Times might lament the potential for increased prices on goods, the notion of letting Americans suffer because it’s bad for business simply doesn’t hold water anymore. The American people’s safety and livelihoods come first, and if that means tightening the purse strings on imports, so be it.
