On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed down from his threats of retaliatory tariffs against the United States, instead agreeing to terms demanded by President Donald Trump.
As reported by Fox News, President Trump and outgoing Prime Minister Trudeau spoke over the phone shortly before President Trump’s newly-announced 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods were set to go into effect. Trudeau then announced on X that he would be implementing numerous additional border security measures, including spending $1.3 billion and appointing a “fentanyl czar.”
Trudeau also vowed to increase security enforcement of the border with helicopters, additional personnel, further coordination with American authorities, and new technology. He stated that no less than 10,000 personnel will be stationed at the northern border.
“We will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering,” Trudeau wrote on X. “I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”
In response, President Trump agreed to pause the enactment of the tariffs for at least 30 days.
President Trump has frequently touted the effectiveness of tariffs in accomplishing broader foreign policy goals, and has pledged to use them to force Canada and Mexico to do more in securing the borders with the United States.
“We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all,” the president said in a statement on Saturday. “I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.”
President Trump similarly announced 25% tariffs on Mexican goods, leading to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing similar concessions. In January, an attempt by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to resist repatriation flights of illegal aliens from the U.S. led to another threat of tariffs from President Trump on Colombian goods. After less than one hour, Petro backed down and even offered the use of his personal jet to carry out repatriation flights.
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