President Donald Trump poured cold water on the idea that the U.S. and Mexico might reach an agreement by the end of the week that would avoid a 5 percent tariff going into effect on Mexican imports.
“I think it’s more likely that the tariffs go on,” Trump said at a press conference during a state visit to London.
Trump’s comment was in stark contrast to the hopeful comments from Mexican officials that an agreement would be reached.
“I think that we have 80 percent in favor of a negotiation [that would stop tariffs from being implemented], 20 percent that maybe it’s difficult to reach an agreement,” Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Tuesday at a press conference at the Mexican Embassy in Washington. “I’d suppose that the imposition of tariffs can be avoided.”
Last week, Trump made a surprise announcement that the U.S. would initiate a 5 percent tariff on imports from Mexico unless Mexico does more to stop the cascade of people from Central America crossing its territory to reach the U.S. Trump said the tariffs would kick-in on June 10 and rise 5 percent per month, reach 25 percent by October.
Move to oust Nancy Guthrie sheriff fails as Pima County supervisors refer perjury allegations to AG
High school student with history of anger issues charged with murder of homeless woman in Las Vegas
Nebraska’s Pillen wins Republican renomination in bid for second term as governor
Lawsuit: ChatGPT Told Florida State Shooter that Killing Children Would Get Him ‘More Attention’ Than Targeting Adults
House GOP launches new task force, probes alleged Medicaid fraud in Ohio
Poll: Rubio Opens Up Double-Digit Lead on Vance, AOC Leads 2028 Democratic Field
Judge keeps block on Trump administration effort to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia
Canadian Liberal Who Championed Mass Migration Questions Election Results After Losing Race to Immigrant
Democrat lawmaker calls Clarence Thomas an ‘Uncle Tom’ and ‘lynchman’ after Supreme Court redistricting ruling
GOP heartburn forces messaging pivot from ‘ballroom’ for Trump security money
Awkward moment kicks off interview with ex-Biden adviser, drawing derision for Dem California gov candidate
‘Beyond Devastated’: NBA Veteran Dies at Age 29
Illegal alien ‘monster’ charged with raping dead girlfriend’s daughter, DHS blames Biden-era policies
Disturbing new details revealed in death of Denver airport intruder who died after breaching fence
Schumer backs GOP’s plan to bring the pain during future shutdowns: ‘I’m going to vote for it’
On Tuesday in London, Trump reiterated those plans. He also said that he did not think Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill would act to block the tariffs, saying it would be “foolish” to do so.
Trump has told close aides in similar situations that he thinks it is often necessary to apply tariffs first and negotiate deals afterward in order to prove he is not bluffing. He sees tariffs as motivating other countries that want access to U.S. consumers to make concessions in negotiations.
Story cited here.
