Staff ReportsThe Thanksgiving spirit was apparently not enough to keep President Joe Biden from heartfelt pleas directed at President-elect Donald Trump regarding his latest tariff threats against Mexico and Canada. With an enviable view of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from his Nantucket vacation home, Biden took a break from turkey and pumpkin pie to remind Trump that starting a trade war with America’s neighbors might not be the wisest course of action.
Biden on Trump's threat of Tariffs against Canada and Mexico:
"I hope he rethinks it. I think it's a counterproductive thing to do." pic.twitter.com/41W4xjlGjZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 28, 2024
While enjoying his final days as president, Biden described Trump’s tariff plans as “counterproductive.” It seems that in Biden’s world, relationships with allies should never be jeopardized, especially when he’s been busy creating his own intricate web of allies across the globe. Amidst laughter and camaraderie with Nantucket’s fire department, Biden urged Trump to take a step back from the ledge, implying that hefty tariffs and a spat with friendly neighbors could ruin the perfectly good Thanksgiving ambiance.
In a nod to his own past, Trump made a splash on social media by announcing the proposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada. This was framed against the backdrop of an unstoppable caravan rumbling toward the southern border, a caravan that may not have appreciated Trump’s looming tariff cloud. Some might argue that if tariffs could solve immigration issues, they’d be thrown around like candy on Halloween—in sheer recklessness, no less. However, it’s worth recalling that Trump’s own threats of tariffs in his first administration fizzled out faster than Thanksgiving leftovers when faced with Mexico’s accommodating change on immigration enforcement.
Biden, while pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, also mentioned that he had upsized the tariffs on Chinese goods during his time in office. One may wonder if this inconsistency is lost in the shuffle of political debate or simply reflects the merry chaos of modern-day governance. Lael Brainard, his top economic adviser, was also on the attack, deeming Trump’s tariff threats too disruptive for American manufacturers. It seems turmoil is the core issue for both sides—a political hot potato no one wants to catch, no matter the season.
During this Thanksgiving trip, Biden felt comfy enough to weave the topic of China into his Nantucket discourse. After all, keeping an open line with President Xi was clearly more pressing than dealing with the implications of a Trump-era trade policy. When it came to discussing the smooth transition to his successor, Biden seemingly hoped for a peaceful handoff. But with Trump at the helm, there’s bound to be some turbulence; he may find that political butterflies can lead to stormy reforms and a few fiery tweets along the way.
Amidst all the political maneuvering and holiday cheer, one thing is for certain: the battle over tariffs and foreign relations is likely to be as convoluted as grandma’s jello salad at Thanksgiving dinner. As the clock ticks down to the transition of power, the only thing more uncertain than Biden’s legacy may just be the fate of a tariff-laden trade future. How deliciously entertaining.
