Staff Reports
President Donald Trump re-entered the trade ring swinging, declaring that a hefty 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico will kick in within just 48 hours. While some may wonder if the media is readying their fainting couches over this economic bombshell, it seems the real star of the show could soon be the oil trade—or lack thereof. Trump hinted that he might include oil in these import taxes, seemingly lighting a fire under the proverbial bean counters.
In a recent press huddle in the Oval Office, Trump teased the possibility of border taxes on oil, making it clear he would make a final call shortly. His reasoning? Fair pricing, of course! The notion of fair pricing in international trade might sound as foreign as a home-cooked meal to some members of Congress, but President Trump has his eyes on the prize. It isn’t just about economics; he reiterated that combating illegal immigration and the influx of fentanyl remains at the top of his list. With drugs flowing into the U.S. and illegal aliens treating the border like a revolving door, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Trump: Tariffs are coming and nothing can forestall them
Canada and Mexico face 25% levies, China looking at 10% above current tariffs
Oil from Canada will be taxed at 10%, more oil and gas tariffs expected in mid-February pic.twitter.com/RDPUwMWP7L
— Stock PlayMaker 🌐 (@stockplaymaker1) February 1, 2025
Seemingly unfazed by the talking heads fearing negative repercussions on the domestic economy, Trump stood firm, assuring everyone that the U.S. can hold its own. After all, why fret over imported goods when domestic production is brimming? The bald eagle has landed—lumber and oil are sitting right in America’s backyard, waiting to be tapped. At least Trump seems convinced that America doesn’t need to rely on its neighbors to keep business humming.
Yet, the fun doesn’t stop there. It appears that China is also in Trump’s crosshairs. He is contemplating a new wave of tariffs aimed at the world’s largest communist economy, where he has already mentioned a 10 percent tax might be on the table. The reasoning again circles back to fentanyl, citing the devastation it wreaks across the nation. With the Chinese sending deadly opioids stateside, these tariffs are being positioned as a measure to protect American lives and put money in the country’s coffers.
As the days tick down to the implementation of these tariffs, the boldness of Trump’s trade strategy could be seen as either reckless or inspired—a reflection of the strong-man politics that have characterized his administration. In a world where politicians often tiptoe around controversial decisions, Trump’s indifference to the hand-wringing of economists may just prove refreshing. As the ink dries on his latest trade moves, many conservatives are left to wonder what’s next in the grand game of tariffs, trade, and—dare it be said—protecting American interests.
