Will There Be Some Pain? Yes: Trump’s Tariff Bet and the Cost of Making America Great Again

President Donald Trump warned Sunday that Americans might experience “some pain” from the escalating trade war sparked by his new tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China. The president also claimed that Canada would “cease to exist” without its trade surplus with the United States, further intensifying tensions between the long-standing allies.

The trade penalties, which Trump signed into action Saturday at his Florida resort, have sent shockwaves through global markets, igniting fear, anger, and uncertainty. Experts warn that the measures could dismantle decades-old economic partnerships in North America while straining relations with China.

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Returning to Washington on Sunday night, Trump signaled that further tariffs could be imposed, suggesting that the European Union and the United Kingdom might soon face similar economic measures. “The import taxes will definitely happen,” Trump told reporters upon landing, indicating a possible broadening of his trade war strategy.

Despite strong opposition from Canada, Trump remained firm on his stance. “If they want to play the game, I don’t mind. We can play the game all they want,” he stated. The president also announced his intention to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Monday to discuss trade relations.

Trump’s push for tariffs follows through on a campaign promise, yet it may contradict another pledge—to quickly reduce inflation. Economic analysts suggest that the tariffs could lead to increased consumer prices, raising concerns that the domestic backlash could match the international frustration.

“WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!),” Trump wrote in a social media post. “BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.”

His administration has not specified the conditions under which the tariffs might be lifted. Officials have tied the economic penalties to issues such as stopping illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl, but Trump further stated that trade imbalances with Canada and Mexico must also be resolved before considering any reversals.

Defending his actions, Trump explained, “We may have in the short term, a little pain, and people understand that. But long term, the United States has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world.”

The tariffs, set to take effect Tuesday, have left Canada reeling. Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman expressed confusion over the move, telling ABC News, “We view ourselves as your neighbor, your closest friend, your ally.”

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In response, Canada has announced its own retaliatory measures. Trump is imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, with a 10% tax on oil, natural gas, and electricity. In retaliation, Canada has placed 25% tariffs on over $155 billion Canadian (US$105 billion) worth of U.S. products, including alcohol and fruit.

Despite Trump’s insistence that the U.S. does not need Canada, economic figures suggest otherwise. One-quarter of the oil consumed in the U.S. originates from its northern neighbor. However, Trump reiterated his claim that the U.S. subsidizes Canada due to what he describes as an unfair trade imbalance, pointing to Canada’s energy exports to the U.S. as a primary factor.

With the tariffs set to take effect imminently, economic analysts warn of potential disruptions in both the U.S. and Canada, leaving businesses and consumers bracing for impact. The question now remains: how far will this trade battle go before both sides reach a compromise?