Trump has warned that he will implement significant tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they fail to halt the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States via their borders.
Washington: Noting that the US is providing financial support to both neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, amounting to USD 100 billion and USD 300 billion respectively, the incoming US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that if this is the case, these countries might as well become part of the United States.
"We're providing Canada with over USD 100 billion annually. We're providing nearly USD 300 billion to Mexico. We shouldn't be financially supporting them. Why do we subsidize these nations? If we are going to subsidize them, let them become a state (of the US)," Trump told NBC News during his first Sunday talk show interview following his victory in the November 5 elections.
"We're providing Mexico, we're providing Canada, and we're providing many nations worldwide with support. All I desire is to create a level, prompt, and fair playing field," he declared.
Trump dismissed claims from certain American business leaders that tariffs would burden consumers and raise the prices of everyday goods.
"They don't cost Americans anything. They have created a prosperous economy for us. They also address another issue. If we face challenges related to wars and other matters, tariffs, I have prevented wars through tariffs by stating, if you want to engage in conflict, that's fine, but both parties will incur a 100 percent tariff to the United States. Tariffs can serve many purposes when utilized appropriately. I don't advocate for their reckless use. I advocate for their proper application," he explained.
"But it hasn't cost this nation anything. It has generated revenue for this country. We haven't really had the opportunity to fully exploit it because we had to contend with COVID in the latter part. We managed it very effectively. When I transferred it to Biden, the stock market was higher than it was just before COVID struck. It was elevated. Tariffs, when utilized correctly, are a potent tool, not only economically, but also for achieving outcomes beyond economics," he stated.
"Will you implement these tariffs, or are they merely a negotiation strategy?" Trump was questioned.
"Let me provide an example. With Canada, and particularly Mexico, we have millions of individuals flooding into our nation. I spoke with both (the leaders). I had a conversation with Justin Trudeau. He arrived at Mar-a-Lago within... around 15 seconds after our call. We were dining together, discussing it," Trump remarked.
"I told the president of Mexico and Justin Trudeau, if it doesn't come to a halt, I will impose tariffs on your country, approximately 25 percent," Trump maintained.
Trump, 78, has warned that he will impose significant tariffs on both Canada and Mexico if they don’t put an end to the flow of illegal immigrants into the US through their territories.
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