President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement on Monday evening to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico has sparked a quick reaction from both leaders, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responding to the proposal.

President Donald Trump laughs as supporters cheer during a Make America Great Again rally at the warren County Fair Grounds in Lebanon, Ohio, on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Trump In Cincinnati

The tariffs are set to be one of Trump’s first executive actions upon taking office, with the president-elect pledging that they will remain in place until the U.S. border is secure and fentanyl flows are stopped.

Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening: “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.”

He emphasized that these tariffs would be enforced until both nations help to secure the U.S. border, addressing the ongoing problem of fentanyl trafficking into the country.

In response to the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed he had spoken with Trump on Monday night. Trudeau described the conversation as “a good call” and mentioned that they discussed the longstanding and important trade connections between the two countries.

He said, “We obviously talked about laying out the facts, talking about how the intense and effective connections between our two countries flow back and forth.”

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On Tuesday morning, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also responded to the tariff threat.

Sheinbaum addressed Trump’s accusations, stating that caravans of migrants are no longer reaching the U.S. border due to efforts by the Mexican government to control migration.

“Caravans of migrants no longer reach the border,” she said, adding that Mexico has taken significant steps to reduce the number of migrants passing through the country.

However, Sheinbaum also pointed to concerns over arms smuggling from the U.S. into Mexico and the impact of drug trafficking on public health in both nations.

She noted, “The movement of drugs is a problem of public health and consumption in your country’s society.”

She also proposed that U.S. spending on war could be better allocated toward peace and development to address the root causes of migration.

The Mexican president warned of retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing that such actions could hurt common businesses, particularly U.S. automakers with plants in both countries. “One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses,” Sheinbaum said.

She added, “We negotiate as equals, there is no subordination here, because we are a great nation,” and expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with the United States.

As tensions continue to mount between the U.S. and its neighbors, Trump’s tariff proposal signals a tough stance on border security and trade, with both Canada and Mexico now facing pressure to address issues related to migration and security.

The next steps from these countries will likely shape the future of U.S. relations with both nations under Trump’s administration.

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