That promise has raised fears of a trade war between the United States and two of its largest trading partners.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned this week that Trump’s tariff plan would have dire consequences for both countries and suggested possible retaliation following her threat to impose widespread 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.
Trump wants to use the tariffs as a tool to get Mexico and Canada to help stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, particularly the deadly opioid fentanyl, and also to migrants crossing into the United States illegally.
“We discussed many important issues that will require both countries to work together to address, such as the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal immigration, Fair Trade Agreements that do not endanger American Workers, and the massive Trade Deficit that the United States has with Canada,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“Trudeau is committed to working with us to end this terrible devastation of American Families,” he added.
Trudeau’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his meeting with Trump.