Donald Trump is taking a hard stance with America’s neighboring countries.
As of February 1, the Trump administration has implemented import taxes of 25 percent on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent on items from China.
An additional 10 percent tariff targets energy imports from Canada.
These increased tariffs have been labeled ‘catastrophic’ for Mexico, in particular.
Trump asserts that these changes aim to make America ‘very rich again’.
For U.S. citizens, this shift is expected to drive up the cost of groceries and gas.
Phil Lempert, Editor of The Supermarket Guru, forecasts that prices for avocados, berries, cooking oil, meat, meat products, beer, and tequila will rise.
Even Trump acknowledged that these policies might bring challenges for Americans, stating on Truth Social: “WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!). BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.”
In reaction to these tariffs, Canada and Mexico have both indicated they might impose similar measures on American imports.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that the country is ‘ready with a response, a purposeful, forceful but reasonable, immediate response’.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated: “We have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, depending on what the government of the United States decides.
“It is very important for the people of Mexico to know that we will always defend the dignity of our people, that we will always defend respect for our sovereignty, and engage in dialogue as equals, as we have always stated, without subordination.”
Trump has since responded to these reactions.
In an assertive reply, the 47th president of the United States addressed Trudeau.
He remarked, as reported by Sky News: “I love the people of Canada. I disagree with the leadership of Canada. And something’s gonna happen there.
“If they want to play the game, I don’t mind. We can play the game all they want.”
However, there is a way Canada could potentially sidestep the increased tariffs.
As a proposed solution, the 78-year-old Trump suggested that Canada become the United States’ 51st state.
On TruthSocial, Trump expressed: “We don’t need anything [Canada has].
“We have unlimited Energy, should make our own Cars, and have more Lumber than we can ever use. Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true!
“Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada — AND NO TARIFFS!”
This isn’t the first time Trump has made such a suggestion, and Trudeau consistently maintains that it’s ‘not going to happen’.