President Joe Biden on Thursday criticized former President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, calling the move
"counterproductive."
"I hope he rethinks it, and I think it's a counterproductive thing to do," Biden said in response to a reporter's question during a Thanksgiving Day visit to a fire station in Nantucket, Massachusetts. "The last thing we need to do is begin to disrupt those relationships."
Trump announced Monday on Truth Social that one of his first executive orders, should he return to office, would be the imposition of a blanket 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico. Both countries are among the United States' top trading partners, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, with China as the largest.
"This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, particularly fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!" Trump wrote in his post.
Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Biden's remarks.
During his previous administration and throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to use tariffs as a key tool of his trade policy. While some supporters view tariffs as a way to protect domestic industries, many economists warn that such measures could lead to higher consumer prices and strain international relationships.
Mixed Reactions from Leaders
Trump also claimed on Truth Social Wednesday to have had a "wonderful conversation" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, saying, "She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border."
However, Sheinbaum’s account of their discussion differed. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she emphasized Mexico's commitment to addressing migration while respecting human rights. "In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights,” she said in Spanish. “We reiterate that Mexico’s position is not to close borders but instead to build bridges between governments and people."
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the trade issue on X, stating he had met with Canadian provincial leaders to discuss their nation's approach to U.S.-Canada trade relations.
"Our focus: Canadian jobs, securing the border, and building on our strong partnership with the United States," Trudeau wrote.
Economic Concerns
The announcement of potential tariffs has sparked debate among economists and policymakers. Critics argue that imposing tariffs on two of the U.S.’s closest allies could harm industries dependent on cross-border trade and lead to retaliatory measures. Supporters contend that the tariffs could pressure Canada and Mexico to tighten controls on migration and drug trafficking, two issues Trump has repeatedly prioritized.
As the conversation around tariffs unfolds, the proposed policy could have significant implications for North American trade relations and economic stability. Biden’s remarks highlight concerns about maintaining strong partnerships with key allies while addressing complex international challenges. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.