Former President Donald Trump made a bold statement at his last campaign stop in North Carolina. He announced plans to impose a hefty tariff on goods from Mexico if the country doesn't halt the flow of migrants entering the U.S. This event in Raleigh was his final push to voters before Election Day.
"This is really the end of a journey. But a new one will be starting," Trump said. He emphasized his commitment to the idea of making America great again.
For the first time, Trump declared he would implement an immediate 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico. This, he stated, would take effect if Mexico didn't stop the influx of migrants and drugs. "I'm going to inform her [Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum] on day one, or sooner, that if they don't stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, I'm going to immediately impose a 25% tariff," he said.
Donald Trump unveils plan to threaten Mexico with 25% tariffs for border security. pic.twitter.com/pAnU57sWgl
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2024
"You’re the first ones I’ve told that to. Congratulations, North Carolina," he added. He expressed confidence in this plan, stating, "It’s only got a 100% chance of working." If it failed, he joked about increasing the tariff to 50% or even 75%.
Trump criticized Mexico, saying they are "ripping us off left and right." He reinforced his tough stance on trade, asserting that action needs to be taken against one of the U.S.'s biggest trading partners.
He also addressed immigration policies, stating, "We want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally." He outlined his plan to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. "I will target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil," he declared.
If migrants re-enter the U.S. illegally, Trump vowed they would face serious consequences. "It's an automatic 10 years in jail with no possibility of parole," he said. He further called for the death penalty for any migrant who kills an American citizen or law enforcement officer. "And I will immediately ban all sanctuary cities," he added.
Trump highlighted the record early voting in North Carolina, with about 4.2 million ballots cast ahead of Election Day. According to the North Carolina Board of Elections, over 1.4 million registered Republicans voted early, compared to 1.35 million registered Democrats.
At the event, Trump was joined by notable figures, including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Marco Rubio from Florida.