Why President Trump’s Tariff Strategy is Essential for the United States: A Safety and Economic Imperative

Written By Chair CCGAGOP

Author: Joe Edlemon, Chairman Columbia County Republicans

President Donald J. Trump has taken decisive steps to address two of the most pressing crises facing the United States: the growing threat of illegal border crossings and the flood of deadly fentanyl into the country. By imposing additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, Trump is leveraging America’s economic strength to safeguard its citizens’ safety and bolster national security. These actions are not just necessary—they are essential for protecting both the nation’s security and economic future.

1. A Strong National Security Approach

President Trump’s tariffs are a direct response to the escalating crises of illegal border crossings and the trafficking of illicit drugs. Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, is devastating communities across the U.S., contributing to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. The majority of fentanyl enters the U.S. through Mexico, with Chinese precursor chemicals playing a significant role in its production (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023).

By using tariffs as a tool to pressure Mexico, Canada, and China into more responsible action, President Trump is asserting that U.S. national security cannot be compromised. The Mexican government has failed to crack down on criminal cartels that operate with impunity, while China continues to allow the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, worsening the crisis. Through these tariffs, Trump is ensuring that these countries take immediate, effective action to stop illegal drug shipments and human trafficking that endanger American lives.

This approach is not new. The U.S. has consistently used economic leverage to protect its citizens. For example, in the 1980s, the U.S. applied sanctions on nations that were facilitating drug trafficking, yielding significant reductions in illegal drug flows. By using tariffs today, Trump is taking a firm, proven stance to protect American lives.

2. Economic Leverage: Tariffs as a Proven Tool

Tariffs are one of the most effective tools at America’s disposal to leverage its immense economic power. The United States remains the world’s largest consumer market, and countries like Canada, Mexico, and China depend heavily on trade with the U.S. (World Bank, 2021). By imposing tariffs, Trump is ensuring these countries understand that access to the American market is a privilege that comes with responsibility.

Throughout history, tariffs have been used successfully to advance U.S. interests. Under President Trump, tariffs were a critical factor in addressing unfair trade practices, particularly with China. By using tariffs, Trump forced China to negotiate, resulting in the landmark Phase One Trade Deal, which brought substantial commitments from China to purchase more U.S. goods and address longstanding trade issues (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2020).

With the current tariffs targeting illegal border crossings and drug trafficking, Trump is applying the same strategic approach—forcing Mexico and Canada to step up their border security and halt the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. These tariffs make it clear that the U.S. will not tolerate weak enforcement on issues that threaten its national security.

3. Protecting American Workers and Resources

Illegal border crossings impose an enormous economic burden on American taxpayers. Each year, millions of illegal aliens cross the U.S. border, overwhelming schools, hospitals, and other public resources. Moreover, the influx of illegal aliens depresses wages for American workers, especially in low-skill industries, by increasing competition for jobs.

Through tariffs, President Trump is ensuring that Mexico and Canada take responsibility for controlling their borders and preventing illegal crossings. This move will relieve the strain on U.S. public services and allow American taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Furthermore, there should be strict penalties for businesses that knowingly hire illegal aliens. These companies should bear the full cost of deportation and legal fees for any illegal workers they employ. This measure would provide additional incentives for businesses to comply with immigration laws and significantly reduce the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers. By holding employers accountable, Trump’s administration would ensure that jobs go to those who enter the country legally, thus preserving economic opportunities for American citizens.

4. The America-First Trade Policy: Securing U.S. Economic Interests

President Trump’s tariff strategy is part of his broader “America First” trade policy, which seeks to restore fairness to global trade and prioritize U.S. workers and businesses. In contrast to the Biden administration that neglected to fully utilize America’s leverage in trade negotiations, Trump has made it clear that U.S. economic security is non-negotiable.

One of the key successes of Trump’s first term was his tough stance on trade imbalances. The tariffs imposed on Chinese goods were crucial in addressing China’s unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. The U.S.-China Phase One Trade Deal marked a historic agreement that secured major concessions from China, including commitments to purchase more U.S. agricultural products and enforce stronger protections for American intellectual property (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2020).

Today, President Trump is using tariffs to ensure that Mexico and Canada take more responsibility for addressing illegal border crossings and the drug crisis. This will not only protect American lives but also strengthen the U.S. economy by reducing the strain on public resources and protecting American jobs from the downward pressure caused by illegal immigration.

Conclusion: A Stronger, Safer America

In conclusion, President Trump’s tariff strategy is a necessary and effective solution to the twin crises of illegal border crossings and the deadly drug epidemic. By using tariffs as leverage, Trump is ensuring that Canada, Mexico, and China fulfill their responsibilities to protect American citizens and uphold the rule of law. This strategy is grounded in proven historical success, where tariffs have been used to secure U.S. interests and protect national security.

The time for complacency is over. Tariffs are a powerful tool to protect American lives, secure the nation’s borders, and ensure that U.S. economic interests are prioritized. President Trump’s leadership is setting the stage for a safer, more prosperous future for all Americans.

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Chair CCGAGOP
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