Staff Reports
In a remarkable display of effectiveness, President-elect Donald Trump has managed to accomplish more in just a few weeks than President Joe Biden has in nearly four years. One of the key tactics that Trump employed was straight-up negotiation on behalf of the American people, something the Democrats have routinely ignored in favor of their own agenda.
At a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seemed more like the bewildered student than the confident leader as he acknowledged the need for enhanced border security, which he described in almost glowing terms as “visible and muscular.” This revelation came after talks with Trump and his Commerce Secretary nominee concerning the implications of tariffs on the economy. It turns out that Trump’s public threats about tariffs are not just bluster but a legitimate bargaining chip that has already begun to reap rewards.
LeBlanc, who serves as Canada’s Public Safety Minister, confessed that discussions about tariffs were not just idle chit-chat. They were serious and had potential consequences; hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line. This is reminiscent of the formative years of the United States when tariffs were a primary means of funding the federal government—something far more palatable than the income tax the Founders scoffed at. This Jeffersonian strategy didn’t just provide revenue; it also empowered early American leaders to negotiate effectively with foreign powers, a principle Trump seems keen to revive.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz articulated that this approach of leveraging tariff threats against Mexico and Canada has triggered immediate positive reactions. Apparently, threatening to use tariffs is like swiping a big stick; it gets everyone’s attention and leads to action—something that’s been glaringly absent under Biden. While Democrats appear to prefer chaos at the border, Trump is busy returning to a stronger, more patriotic approach that places American interests at the forefront.
Trudeau’s visit to Mar-a-Lago can be interpreted as a clear admission of his administration’s shortcomings. The optics were staggering when a parody account humorously suggested that Trudeau was preparing to “grovel for mercy” after his earlier bravado. This dramatic shift in tone highlights just how far the Canadian PM has had to reposition himself in the face of Trump’s aggressive negotiation tactics.
And it doesn’t end there. Trump has also managed to extract concessions from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who, while attempting to save face within her own liberal framework, has had to acknowledge Trump’s newfound leverage. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: while Biden has seemingly welcomed a border invasion, Trump is implementing effective strategies that hold foreign leaders accountable and prioritize American security. There’s a knack to Trump’s approach—a revival of classic Republican tactics in international dealings, ensuring that while others fumble, he continues to put Americans first.
