President Donald Trump acknowledged Sunday that his newly imposed tariffs could bring economic “pain” to American consumers, but insisted it would be “worth the price” to protect US interests and curb illegal immigration.
In a significant move that has raised alarms across North America and beyond, Trump followed through on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from neighboring Canada and Mexico, despite their participation in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Simultaneously, Trump slapped China with an additional 10% tariff, escalating the ongoing trade war.

The tariffs, set to take effect on Tuesday, come after Trump’s long-standing vow to combat illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl into the US—issues he claims are not being sufficiently addressed by these countries. Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the measures, which immediately triggered vows of retaliation from all three nations.
“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!)” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.”
A calculated gamble?
Trump’s rhetoric marks a sharp shift from previous statements, where he had downplayed the risk of consumer price hikes due to tariffs. The president’s focus has long been on cutting the trade deficit and curbing what he sees as foreign exploitation of US markets. However, analysts caution that the trade war could backfire, stalling economic growth and pushing up prices on everyday goods for American consumers.
As part of his strategy to limit the economic impact, Trump targeted Canadian energy imports with a lower 10% tariff, but his comments on Canada drew further controversy. He suggested that Canada should become the “Cherished 51st State” due to the financial burden of subsidizing its economy, a remark that’s sure to strain US-Canada relations further.
Retaliation and rising tensions
Canada wasted no time in announcing retaliatory measures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to impose 25% tariffs on select American goods worth over $100 billion, starting Tuesday. Several Canadian provinces also pledged to halt US liquor purchases in protest, signaling a potential long-term rift between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by directing her economy minister to implement “Plan B,” signaling that her country is prepared to take unspecified retaliatory actions.
The price of nationalism
Trump’s tariff policies have drawn sharp criticism, even from conservative quarters. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board labeled the tariffs “The Dumbest Trade War in History,” warning that US consumers would ultimately bear the brunt of higher prices.
Trump, undeterred, took aim at his critics, especially the “Tariff Lobby” he accused of being part of a globalist agenda. “The decades-long RIPOFF OF AMERICA, both with regard to TRADE, CRIME, AND POISONOUS DRUGS… those days are over!” he declared in another Truth Social post.
His aggressive stance is expected to continue, with European Union officials already pledging to “respond firmly” to any tariffs imposed by the US, further complicating international trade relations.
As the tariffs take effect and retaliation intensifies, the economic fallout remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration’s “America First” strategy is creating a storm of economic and diplomatic consequences that could shape the global trade landscape for years to come.