Representative Greg Stanton led an initiative alongside 42 Democratic congressmen to urge President Donald Trump to immediately suspend the 25 percent tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada. They warn about the severe consequences for the U.S. economy and diplomatic relations.
According to the letter addressed to Trump, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, the acting Secretary of Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative, these tariffs could devastate Americans, affect jobs, and harm diplomatic relations with key trading partners. The letter also mentions the additional 10 percent tariff imposed on Canadian energy.
The congressmen emphasized that these tariffs would directly impact U.S. consumers, increasing the costs of food, automobiles, energy, and technology. They expressed concern about the negative impact on bilateral cooperation in areas such as national security, drug control, and immigration.
It was noted that Mexico has collaborated on immigration control, resulting in a decrease in encounters at the southern border, and Canada has worked closely on security matters, including monitoring aerial and maritime threats.
The letter criticizes Trump's decision to impose these tariffs by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, labeling it an abuse of power. Stanton, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, worked on the completion and approval of the USMCA in 2019 in collaboration with the Trump administration.
