Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico was rooted in his longstanding concern over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
His executive order specifically accused Canada of allowing drug smugglers and gang members to operate within its borders, alleging that Mexican cartels were actively producing fentanyl inside Canada before smuggling it into the United States.
“Tariffs are very powerful, both economically and in getting everything else you want,” Trump said while signing the executive orders in the Oval Office. He pointed to Canada’s trade practices, claiming the country benefits unfairly from U.S. economic policies while failing to take sufficient action against illegal drug flows and criminal networks.
The president has repeatedly criticized Canada for what he describes as restrictive trade policies that prevent American goods from entering Canadian markets while allowing Canadian exports to flood the U.S. economy.
Trudeau had initially resisted Trump’s tariff demands, but as the deadline loomed and economic pressure mounted, he announced a series of sweeping measures to strengthen border enforcement and combat organized crime.
The Canadian government will allocate resources to intelligence operations, upgrade surveillance with helicopters and advanced technology, and expand cooperation with U.S. law enforcement. Trudeau also pledged to crack down on fentanyl smuggling by designating cartels as terrorist organizations and forming a joint strike force with American agencies.
Trump’s approach to trade and border security has drawn criticism from political opponents, with some arguing that tariffs could lead to inflation and economic strain.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested that the levies might drive up the cost of goods for American consumers. The president dismissed these concerns, insisting that his policies would strengthen the U.S. economy by encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign imports. He cited statistics showing that the U.S. economy is far less reliant on trade than Canada and Mexico, making tariffs a powerful tool to pressure both nations into stronger security commitments.
Mexico also responded to Trump’s tariff threat by agreeing to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border to curb illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the arrangement and said her government would work closely with U.S. authorities to address security concerns. In return, Trump pledged to take action against the flow of firearms into Mexico, a longstanding issue in U.S.-Mexico relations.
Trump firmly believes that the U.S. has the economic leverage to dictate terms in trade negotiations. He pointed to past successes with China and Colombia, arguing that tariffs have been instrumental in pushing other countries to cooperate on key issues.
The White House released data showing that the U.S. trade deficit had exceeded $1 trillion in 2023, a statistic Trump is determined to change by renegotiating trade agreements and leveraging tariffs to force better deals.
The president’s executive orders also target China, with a 10 percent increase in tariffs on Chinese imports scheduled to take effect. He has accused China of allowing the production and distribution of fentanyl precursor chemicals, warning that tariffs will continue to rise if Beijing fails to crack down on the illicit trade. “China will be dealt with,” Trump said, making it clear that his administration is prepared to escalate trade measures if necessary.
The agreement with Canada marks a significant win for Trump, demonstrating his ability to use economic pressure to achieve policy goals. The next 30 days will determine whether Canada’s new commitments are enough to prevent the tariffs from being reinstated.
For now, the president has secured concessions that his predecessors struggled to obtain, reinforcing his position that the U.S. will no longer accept weak border policies from its neighbors.