President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agree that Wednesday’s conversation was “positive,” but their views begin to diverge from there.
President Trump claims that Sheinbaum agreed to “stop immigration through Mexico,” but Sheinbaum said the country’s position is “not to close the border, but to build bridges.” That’s true.”
The conversation came after President Trump threatened to impose a flat 25% tariff on all trade from Mexico once he takes office. With less than two months left until President-elect Trump is sworn into office, what does this mean for the American people?
Of all the policies President Trump is planning, the threat of tariffs is likely to have the most significant impact on consumers.
Tariffs could affect a wide range of trade goods from Mexico, including cars, computer parts, and food and drinks such as avocados and tequila.
Mr. Sheinbaum told reporters in Mexico on Thursday that there would be no tariff war between the two countries.
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During President Trump’s first term, he primarily used tariffs to boost U.S. jobs and manufacturing. He is likely to use tariffs as a negotiating tactic to pressure Mexico and Canada to further curb illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs.
Concerns about migrants at the U.S. southern border have subsided recently, with fewer concerns than at most points during Biden’s presidency.
A recent Scripps News/Ipsos poll found that about 45% of Americans support stricter trade controls. Most of the support came from Republicans following Trump’s victory in the general election. The poll did not ask respondents about their specific feelings about the proposed across-the-board 25% tariffs.
