Joe Biden Warns Trump Not To ‘Screw Up’ Relationships With Allies Over Tariff Threats | EUROtoday

President Joe Biden on Thursday expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump will rethink his pledge to use tariffs on Mexico and Canada, saying the transfer can be “counterproductive.”

Earlier this week, Trump stated he would impose a 25% tariff on all items from Mexico and Canada as quickly as he takes workplace.

During a go to to the Nantucket Fire Department on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Biden steered taking such motion towards U.S. neighbors and allies can be a mistake.

“I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do,” Biden stated of Trump. “We have an unusual situation in America. We’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships. I think we’ve got them in a good place.”

Trump has beforehand steered tariffs would inspire Mexico and Canada to handle a number of the points he repeatedly complained about throughout his White House bid — undocumented immigrants crossing into the U.S. via the southern border and the fentanyl disaster. Trump stated the 2 nations may “easily solve” these points.

“We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump stated Monday.

Biden, for his half, famous that border crossings have decreased considerably since Trump’s final time period in workplace.

Trump has additionally stated he’ll levy an extra 10% tariff on Chinese items in January.

As Biden wraps up his closing months in workplace, he spoke to reporters about what he’s grateful for this Thanksgiving season.

“I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for the peaceful transition of the presidency,” he stated.

He added that he’s grateful for the U.S.-backed ceasefire settlement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The deal doesn’t cowl the warfare in Gaza.

In a press release launched by the White House addressing one other main overseas coverage concern for his administration, Biden slammed Russia for its Thursday assaults on a number of Ukrainian cities, together with Kyiv, concentrating on the nation’s vitality infrastructure because the winter months strategy.

“This attack is outrageous and serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression,” Biden stated.

Trump’s impending return to the White House has prompted concern amongst Ukraine allies about the way forward for U.S. help for Kyiv given the president-elect has beforehand refused to say whether or not it could be within the United States’ curiosity for Ukraine to win the warfare.

But throughout his remarks to reporters, Biden stated he’ll work to make sure the transition to the Trump administration “goes smoothly,” whereas seeming to precise hope that Trump could stroll again a few of his controversial marketing campaign pledges.

“I want to make sure it goes smoothly. All the talk about what he’s going to do or not do — I think there may be a little bit of an internal reckoning on his part,” he stated of Trump. “So it remains to be seen.”

Biden added that the make-up of the incoming Congress with Republicans having a skinny majority in each the House and the Senate would require “some real compromise.”

“But we’ll see,” Biden stated. “On Thanksgiving, I am hopeful.”