US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Canada has agreed to implement a $1.3 billion border plan to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. In return, Trump stated that tariffs on Canadian goods would be paused for 30 days following the plan’s implementation.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, saying:
“Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country.”
Canada’s Border Plan
Trump referenced a statement from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who outlined the border security measures, which include:
- Deploying new helicopters, technology, and personnel to reinforce the border.
- Enhancing coordination with the US to prevent fentanyl smuggling.
- Increasing resources to stop the flow of illicit drugs.
Trudeau confirmed the details in a post on X, stating:
“I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.”
Additionally, Trudeau announced new anti-crime initiatives, including:
- Appointing a “Fentanyl Czar” to oversee efforts against drug trafficking.
- Listing cartels as terrorist organizations for stricter enforcement.
- 24/7 border surveillance to monitor illegal crossings.
- Launching a Canada-US Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl smuggling, and money laundering.
- Allocating $200 million to support new intelligence and enforcement measures.
“Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” Trudeau added.
Impact on Trade and Security
Trump had previously announced tariffs on Canadian goods, but he has now agreed to pause them for 30 days while both nations work towards a final economic deal.
Trump said:
“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!”
US-Mexico Agreement on Fentanyl
Earlier the same day, Trump paused tariffs on Mexican goods after securing a similar agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. As part of that deal, Mexico will deploy 10,000 soldiers to the US-Mexico border to help curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.
Canadian Political Reactions
Following the US-Mexico deal, Canadian conservative politicians urged the government to take stronger border security measures. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Trudeau to:
“Send Canadian Forces troops, helicopters, and surveillance to the border now” to protect Canada’s trade relationship with the US and address Trump’s concerns about drugs and migrants, CBC reported.
The US-Canada border plan marks a major step in cross-border cooperation and highlights Canada’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis while preserving trade relations with the United States.