The White House says President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs on Mexico are "going forward" as planned Monday, even as negotiators continue to try to stave off Trump's latest push to force Mexico to stem the flow of Central American migrants across the United States' southern border.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders tells reporters in Ireland that "our position has not changed" and that "the tariffs are going forward as of Monday."
Talks resumed today at the State Department, and Trump has received regular updates from Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his trip to Europe. Sanders said officials had "made a lot of progress," but not enough.
The initial 5% tax on all Mexican goods, which would increase every month up to 25%, would have enormous economic implications for both countries. Americans bought $378 billion worth of Mexican imports last year, led by cars and auto parts. Many members of Trump's Republican Party and business allies have urged him to reconsider, citing the potential harm to American consumers and manufactures.
The tariffs carry enormous economic consequences for both countries, and politically they underscore a major ideological split between Trump and his party. Trump has increasingly relied on tariffs as a bludgeon to try to force other nations to bend to his will, dismissing warnings, including from fellow Republicans, about the likely impacts on American manufacturers and consumers. (AP)
