President Joe Biden on Thursday expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump will rethink his pledge to use tariffs on Mexico and Canada, saying the transfer could be “counterproductive.”
Earlier this week, Trump stated he would impose a 25% tariff on all items from Mexico and Canada as quickly as he takes workplace.
During a visit to the Nantucket Fire Department on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Biden recommended taking such motion in opposition to U.S. neighbors and allies could be a mistake.
“I hope he rethinks it. I believe it’s a counterproductive factor to do,” Biden stated of Trump. “We now have an uncommon state of affairs in America. We’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The very last thing we have to do is start to screw up these relationships. I believe we’ve obtained them in a very good place.”
Trump has beforehand recommended tariffs would encourage Mexico and Canada to handle among the points he repeatedly complained about throughout his White Home bid — undocumented immigrants crossing into the U.S. by the southern border and the fentanyl disaster. Trump stated the 2 international locations may “simply clear up” these points.
“We hereby demand that they use this energy, and till such time that they do, it’s time for them to pay a really huge worth!” Trump stated Monday.
Biden, for his half, famous that border crossings have decreased considerably since Trump’s final time period in workplace.
Trump has additionally stated he’ll levy a further 10% tariff on Chinese language items in January.
As Biden wraps up his remaining months in workplace, he spoke to reporters about what he’s grateful for this Thanksgiving season.
“I’m grateful for my household. I’m grateful for the peaceable transition of the presidency,” he stated.
He added that he’s grateful for the U.S.-backed ceasefire settlement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The deal doesn’t cowl the struggle in Gaza.
In a statement launched by the White Home addressing one other main international coverage concern for his administration, Biden slammed Russia for its Thursday assaults on a number of Ukrainian cities, together with Kyiv, concentrating on the nation’s vitality infrastructure because the winter months strategy.
“This assault is outrageous and serves as one more reminder of the urgency and significance of supporting the Ukrainian individuals of their protection in opposition to Russian aggression,” Biden stated.
Trump’s impending return to the White Home has prompted concern amongst Ukraine allies about the way forward for U.S. assist for Kyiv given the president-elect has beforehand refused to say whether or not it might be in the US’ curiosity for Ukraine to win the struggle.
However throughout his remarks to reporters, Biden stated he’ll work to make sure the transition to the Trump administration “goes easily,” whereas seeming to specific hope that Trump might stroll again a few of his controversial marketing campaign pledges.
“I wish to be sure that it goes easily. All of the discuss what he’s going to do or not do — I believe there could also be a bit of little bit of an inside depending on his half,” he stated of Trump. “So it stays to be seen.”
Biden added that the make-up of the incoming Congress with Republicans having a skinny majority in each the Home and the Senate would require “some actual compromise.”
“However we’ll see,” Biden stated. “On Thanksgiving, I’m hopeful.”
