WASHINGTON – President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods in response to what he described as a “massive influx” of migrants at the US-Mexico border and an “incredible surge” of fentanyl coming across the border.
In a series of tweets, Trump wrote, “Mexico & Canada, don’t take advantage of the US! Tariffs are coming.”
Trump’s tweet came on the heels of a trip to the US-Mexico border, where he saw firsthand the surge in migrant activity and the increase in the amount of drugs, particularly fentanyl, being smuggled across the border.
Trump has made the issue of border security a central part of his 2020 re-election campaign, and his tough stance on immigration has contributed to his strong support among conservative voters.
The threatened tariffs would be the latest in a series of Trump administration efforts to pressure foreign countries into cooperating on immigration and trade issues.
