In fact, the war of words is already raising the stakes. Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard suggested the Mexican government could retaliate with its own tariffs on U.S. imports if the incoming Trump administration slaps tariffs on Mexican exports. “If you put 25% tariffs on me, I have to react with tariffs,” said Ebrard, who served as Mexico’s foreign minister during the first Trump administration. Clearly, both sides are gearing up for a possible trade war that will bring enormous economic cost to both sides.
However, Canada could find itself escaping the wrath of the Trump administration as both countries will be simultaneously leading aggressive immigration crackdowns. Also befitting Trump’s strange desire to indulge in hyperbole, no doubt the President-elect will have his cult following of MAGA loyalists believing that it was Trump himself that influenced Ottawa to move forward with such stringent and exacting restrictions.
However, like all things with Trump, any affinity or goodwill most certainly comes with an expiration date. The mercurial Commander-in-Chief’s penchant for unpredictability is perhaps the only predictable trait that can be expected over the next four years. Nevertheless, even though the two nations are deeply intertwined on trade, defence, and global health, among other areas, it is migration that will be the lynchpin that keeps Trump’s ire at bay (for now).
Outgoing President Joe Biden said “the United States has no closer friend, partner, or ally than Canada. Over the past 150 years, our two countries have built one of the closest and most extensive relationships…The U.S.-Canada partnership benefits not only our people, but the world – and by working together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
That enduring partnership will now be put to the test like never before. Much like Trump’s first term in office, his return to power coupled with calls for mass deportations are already having deleterious effects on border policy throughout the hemisphere, with Canada especially impacted. Christopher Sands, Director of the Canada project at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, in Washington, DC states: This is a challenge both countries can overcome better together by confirming identity, coordinating on-border responses…and even comparing notes on visa applicants.
Then presidential candidate Donald Trump refers to charts about immigration while speaking during the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
It is the hope that Trudeau and Trump can thaw their frosty relationship and work together for the greater good of both nations as well as those fleeing impossible situations. The migrant crisis now represents more than a vexing political issue but also a geopolitical opportunity. Both leaders are hoping for similar outcomes and are prepared to enact aggressive action to confront the problem.
Like it or not, the United States and Canada are in this together. Immigration is the tie that binds and as long as Ottawa continues to take stringent measures, President-elect Trump’s predilection for rash and brazen attacks can, and should, be directed elsewhere.
Eric Ham is a bestselling author and former congressional staffer in the U.S. Congress. He served as a contributor to TheHill.com and The Washington Diplomat. He resides in Washington, DC.
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Publish date : 2024-11-14 20:00:00
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