At a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington, DC, on Thursday (local time), US President Donald Trump abruptly cut off Starmer as he responded to a journalist’s question about Canada.
When asked about the issue, Starmer stated:
“I think you’re (journalist) trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist. We’re the closest of nations and we had very good discussions today, but we didn’t touch Canada.”
At that moment, Trump interjected, saying, “That’s enough, thank you.”
Trump Stands Firm on Tariffs Against Canada and Mexico
Earlier in the day, Trump reaffirmed his decision to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico from March 4, citing concerns over illicit drug smuggling into the United States. He also confirmed that reciprocal tariffs would take effect “with full force” from April 2.
On February 4, Trump had temporarily paused the tariffs for 30 days, claiming that both Canada and Mexico had made new commitments to enhance border security.
However, in a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized the ongoing drug crisis:
“Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels. A large percentage of these Drugs, much of them in the form of Fentanyl, are made in, and supplied by China. More than 100,000 people died last year due to the distribution of these dangerous and highly addictive POISONS.”
Trump has vowed to take decisive action to curb fentanyl trafficking, stating:
“Millions of people have died over the last two decades. The families of the victims are devastated and, in many instances, virtually destroyed. We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled.”
China to Face Additional 10% Tariff
Alongside measures against Canada and Mexico, China will also be subjected to an additional 10% tariff from March 4.
“China will likewise be charged an additional 10 per cent Tariff on that date. The April Second Reciprocal Tariff date will remain in full force and effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” Trump added.