US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Americans may experience economic pain from his tariffs on key trading partners, but argued that the long-term benefits would outweigh the immediate costs. His comments come after he signed off on 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, despite both countries being part of a free trade pact with the U.S. He also imposed an additional 10% tariff on China on top of previously enacted levies.
The move quickly sparked promises of retaliation from the affected nations, and experts warned that the trade war could lead to slower U.S. economic growth and higher consumer prices in the short term. In a post on his Truth Social media platform, Trump acknowledged the potential for pain but maintained that the costs would be worth it for securing America’s economic interests.
“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!),” Trump wrote in all-caps on Sunday morning. “But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.”
Trump’s position has drawn sharp criticism, especially from the Wall Street Journal, whose editorial board blasted his tariff plans as the “dumbest trade war in history.” In response, Trump lashed out on Sunday, attacking the editorial board as part of the so-called “Tariff Lobby” led by globalist interests.
The U.S. president, who has long criticised trade deficits, doubled down on his stance, claiming that the U.S. had been “ripped off” by other nations for decades. Trump’s rhetoric escalated on Truth Social, where he suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, citing the country’s reliance on U.S. subsidies and claiming that without them, Canada would no longer be viable. He argued that this move would benefit Canadians with lower taxes and improved military protection, as well as eliminate tariffs.
In 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a trade deficit of $55 billion in goods with Canada, highlighting the ongoing trade imbalance between the two nations.
