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.
FBI releases eerie new age-progression renderings of accused University of Colorado student killer
Weapons stockpile shortages impacting military strategy in the Mideast
The biggest threat in America’s race with China isn’t Beijing, tech executive warns
Trump Shoots Down Claims Iran Attacked US Water Systems, Blames ‘Corrupt’ Tim Walz
Watch: Spanish Woman’s ‘Suicidal Empathy’ on Full Display as Africans Invade City
Late-term abortion takes front seat as blue state rushes to expand access before session ends
Get your Shark Week fix in DC
FBI still searching for 2020 rioter who helped demolish ICE facility
Fauci faces lifetime ban from federal government work under new bill following explosive hearing
Internet erupts over report that Platner’s replacement in key Senate race fathered children with second cousin
Watch: Bill Murray’s Brutal SNL Skit from 1987 Called Out Trans Surgeon as Deranged Child Mutilator
Trump warns Ceuta scenes will happen in US if Democrats get reelected
Investigators believe Iranian hackers are likely behind cyberattack on Minnesota water systems: report
Ben Sasse’s latest pancreatic cancer update comes amid his stark warning about America’s future
Woman’s death at Boston home owned by Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s husband ruled a homicide: officials
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.
