On the eve of Election Day, former President Donald Trump unveiled a bold promise to implement a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico unless the nation takes immediate action to stop the flow of illegal migration into the United States. Speaking to supporters in North Carolina, a critical battleground state, Trump emphasized that the policy has a “100% chance of working,” framing it as an urgent measure to address what he describes as an “onslaught of criminals and drugs” at the U.S. southern border.
“On day one, or sooner, I’m going to inform Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, that if they don’t stop this onslaught… I’m going to immediately impose a 25% tariff on everything they send into the United States of America,” Trump told the enthusiastic crowd. The former president also hinted that he would increase the tariff even further if necessary, stating, “If that doesn’t work, I’ll make it 50%. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll make it 75%… At some point, they’ll have so many soldiers on their southern border.”
This plan marks a departure from Trump’s previous tariffs, which were largely focused on boosting American manufacturing. This time, Trump’s proposed tariffs are directed squarely at tackling the immigration crisis. The former president has blamed the Biden-Harris administration for what he calls a “border crisis,” pledging a return to stricter border enforcement policies if elected.
Trump has also proposed similar tariffs in recent campaign stops. In September, at a town hall in Flint, Michigan, he promised a 200% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside of the United States, a measure aimed at bolstering U.S. car manufacturing. “They think they’re going to make their cars there and they’re going to sell them across our line… We’re going to charge them. I’m telling you right now, we’re putting a 200% tariff on them, which means they’re unsellable,” he said.
Trump concluded his remarks with a bold acknowledgment of the risks associated with his proposed policies, stating, “And then you wonder why I get shot at. You know, only consequential presidents get shot at… You have to do what you have to do. You have to be brave. Otherwise, you’re not going to have a country left.”
Trump’s last-minute pledge underscores his campaign’s focus on border security and economic sovereignty, appealing to voters concerned about both illegal immigration and American manufacturing. With Election Day hours away, Trump’s aggressive stance on tariffs is aimed at energizing his base and securing the votes needed for another term.
WATCH:
Donald Trump proposes a 25% tariff on imported Mexican goods:
“If they don’t stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, I’m going to immediately impose a 25% tariff… It’s only got a 100% chance of working because if that doesn’t work, I’ll make it 50.” pic.twitter.com/PTBzwZP9NK
— The Recount (@therecount) November 4, 2024