President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% on Chinese goods, in an effort to address issues related to illegal immigration and fentanyl into the U.S. Trump stated that he does not need Congress’ support to implement these tariffs, citing various powers granted to the executive branch by trade acts and the ability to declare a national emergency.
While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate commerce and impose tariffs, the White House does have some authority to act independently in certain circumstances. In the past, Trump threatened tariffs against Mexico before they agreed to reduce unauthorized immigration into the U.S. These actions could escalate into a challenging trade war during Trump’s upcoming term, similar to what occurred during his first term with tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25%.
President Joe Biden expressed concerns about Trump’s tariff plans, suggesting that they could harm relationships with close allies like Mexico and Canada. He urged Trump to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive relationships with these neighboring countries.
Overall, Trump’s tariff plans and the potential consequences highlight the complex nature of trade policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in the U.S.
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