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President Donald Trump defended his newly imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, accusing Canada of being "very abusive" toward the United States in trade relations. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday night, he also hinted that the European Union could face similar penalties.
The tariffs, enacted through an executive order on Saturday, will take effect on Tuesday. Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), imports from Canada and Mexico will face a 25% tariff, while goods from China will be subject to a 10% tariff.
Trump justified the move by citing what he called an "extraordinary threat" posed by illegal immigration and drug trafficking, including fentanyl, which he labeled a national emergency.
The decision has sparked backlash from Canadian and Mexican leaders, as well as international economic experts who warn of potential trade disruptions. Trump, however, dismissed concerns, arguing that the U.S. has been treated unfairly for years.
"Canada has been very abusive of the United States for many years. They don’t allow our banks," Trump said. "Canada does not allow banks to go in. If you think about it, that's pretty amazing. If we have a U.S. bank, they don’t allow them in."
He went on to criticize Canada’s trade policies on energy and agriculture. "Canada has been very tough for oil and energy. They don’t allow our farm products in, essentially. They don’t allow a lot of things in. And we allow everything to come in—it’s a one-way street."
Trump also claimed that the U.S. subsidizes Canada to the tune of "$200 billion a year" without receiving anything in return. "And for what? What do we get out of it? We don’t get anything out of it," he said. "I love the people of Canada. I disagree with the leadership of Canada, and something is going to happen there."
Beyond North America, Trump confirmed that he would "definitely" impose tariffs on the European Union, citing a $300 billion trade deficit. "They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing," he said.
"And we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products. The European Union is really out of line."
In response to Trump's tariffs, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a statement on Saturday rejecting accusations that Mexico collaborates with criminal organizations.
She denied that her government enables drug trafficking, stating that Mexico does not want fentanyl to reach any country, including the United States.
"If the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and generate violence, we must work together in an integrated manner," Sheinbaum’s statement read.
"But always under the principles of shared responsibility, mutual trust, collaboration, and above all, respect for sovereignty, which is not negotiable."
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also pushed back against the tariffs, encouraging Canadians to prioritize domestic products.
"Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada," Trudeau wrote on X. "Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada."
During his talk with reporters, Trump also addressed South Africa, threatening to cut off U.S. aid after the country’s president signed a controversial land seizure measure.
"Terrible things are happening in South Africa," Trump said. "The leadership is doing some terrible things, horrible things. So that's under investigation right now."
Earlier on Sunday, he posted on Truth Social accusing South Africa of "treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY."
He called the situation a "massive Human Rights VIOLATION," adding, "The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!"
The new tariffs, along with Trump’s sharp rhetoric, have escalated tensions between the U.S. and its key trade partners. Economists warn that retaliatory measures from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union could lead to significant economic consequences for American businesses and consumers.
However, Trump and his supporters argue that the tariffs are necessary to restore fair trade policies and strengthen the U.S. economy.
As the tariffs take effect, the global response will be closely watched. Whether Trump’s aggressive trade policies will lead to new negotiations or deepen divisions remains to be seen.
