President Donald Trump defended his new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China while speaking at Joint Base Andrews. He hinted that the European Union might be next.
The tariffs, authorized in an executive order, start Tuesday. A 25% tariff will hit imports from Canada and Mexico, while China faces a 10% increase. Trump cited national security concerns under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
He linked the tariffs to illegal immigration and drugs. "The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency," he stated in the order.
Criticism poured in from Canada and Mexico. Trump fired back, accusing Canada of unfair trade practices. "Canada has been very abusive of the United States for many years," he said. "They don't allow our banks."
Trump also called out Canada’s restrictions on U.S. energy and farm products. "They don't allow a lot of things in. And we allow everything. It’s a one-way street," he added.
He claimed the U.S. subsidizes Canada by "$200 billion a year." Frustrated, he asked, "And for what? What do we get out of it? I love the people of Canada. I disagree with the leadership."
The European Union could face tariffs next. Trump argued, "They don't take our cars, they don't take our farm products. And we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food."
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the accusations. "We categorically reject the White House’s slander against the Mexican government," she said. She emphasized working together but insisted on "respect for sovereignty, which is not negotiable."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to respond by buying local. "Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada," he posted on X.
Trump also discussed South Africa, suggesting the U.S. might cut aid. "Terrible things are happening in South Africa," he warned. He accused the leadership of human rights violations.
On Truth Social, he doubled down. "A massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it," he wrote. Aid to South Africa, he said, will be cut until an investigation is complete.