“The proposed tariffs set to take effect on March fourth will, indeed, be implemented as planned. China will also face an additional 10% tariff on that date. The reciprocal tariff on April second will also be enforced,” stated Trump in a post on Truth Social. Initially, Trump had agreed to a 30-day pause on the tariff plan to facilitate negotiations between Canada and the U.S. regarding border security. However, the president argued on Thursday that insufficient progress had been made within the 30-day period to address the issue.
“We cannot allow this detrimental situation to persist and harm the USA,” Trump emphasized. The ongoing trade dispute between the two countries coincides with Canada’s upcoming leadership transition, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement in January of his decision to step down after a nine-year tenure.
President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, defended the tariffs during a committee hearing, while Trade Representative Nominee also supported the tariffs in the same hearing. Trudeau stated that he would continue in office until a new leader is chosen by the Liberal Party, with parliament being suspended until March 24.
The future leader of Canada will have to resume negotiations with Trump concerning tariffs, a move that Canadian officials find illogical. “This is a challenge we will face. It will impact jobs on both sides of the border, and this is something that everyone needs to comprehend,” Rae expressed during his appearance on MSNBC. “Increasing prices for all parties lacks logic. We fail to see the rationale behind it, and that’s why we are persistently attempting to persuade the American government to reconsider and carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of this trade, as well as the consequences of escalating tariffs.”
The White House did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Original source: Top Canadian official criticizes Trump over tariff plan as Trudeau exits office: ‘You lose prosperity’
