Paul Krugman: Mexico’s Sheinbaum Rejects Trump’s Tariff Threats with ‘F–k You’
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Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman is raising concerns that President-elect Donald Trump may have already overestimated his ability to win trade wars with Mexico and Canada, specifically regarding his recent threats to impose tariffs on Mexican goods.
In a post on BlueSky, Krugman argues that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is not backing down from Trump’s tariff threats and seems prepared to call his bluff if the U.S. follows through with a 25 percent tariff on Mexican products. “One possibility re Trump tariffs that I don’t think has been given enough consideration is that other leaders may decide that he’s weak and easily bamboozled — and may be right,” Krugman wrote.
“I mean, what just happened with Mexico? To use technical language, Sheinbaum’s response to Trump’s tariff threat appears to have been ‘F–k me? No, f–k you’ (I spent many years in New Jersey).” Krugman highlights that Sheinbaum has already rejected Trump’s claims that Mexico had made major concessions on immigration and fentanyl, making it clear that Mexico will not be a pushover in future negotiations with the U.S. He suggests this direct stance signals a broader trend in global trade relationships, with other nations likely to follow suit in challenging Trump’s approach.
One possibility re Trump tariffs that I don't think has been given enough consideration is that other leaders may decide that he's weak and easily bamboozled — and may be right (something already suggested by his behavior the first time) . 1/
— Paul Krugman (@pkrugman.bsky.social) November 29, 2024 at 6:19 PM
“Quite likely that other trading partners will respond similarly,” Krugman speculates. “They probably realize, even if Trump doesn’t, that America doesn’t have a clear advantage in a potential trade war, especially if it’s America against the world.” He further emphasizes that countries might avoid giving Trump “symbolic concessions,” as doing so would not only be ineffective but could encourage further aggression.
Krugman’s commentary reflects a growing concern among some economists and political analysts that Trump’s approach to international trade may backfire, especially if countries like Mexico begin to push back against U.S. demands. His predictions highlight the possibility of a global response that challenges Trump’s economic strategy, and whether his tough talk can match the reality of international diplomacy and trade relations.
One possibility re Trump tariffs that I don't think has been given enough consideration is that other leaders may decide that he's weak and easily bamboozled — and may be right (something already suggested by his behavior the first time) . 1/
— Paul Krugman (@pkrugman.bsky.social) November 29, 2024 at 6:19 PM
