President Trump announced his America First Trade Policy on Inauguration Day, January 20, stating that he plans to enact 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico on February 1, citing the flow of both migrants and fentanyl from both countries. Trump did not say what mechanism he may use to impose tariffs so quickly; however, he could consider invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which gives the President wide-ranging powers in an emergency, although the Act has never been used to implement tariffs before.
He signed an executive order directing the secretaries of Commerce and Treasury as well as the United States Trade Representative to investigate the causes of America’s trade deficits with foreign nations and to determine how to build an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs, to identify unfair trade practices, and to review existing trade agreements for potential improvements, requesting reports by April 1.
It also directs agencies to analyze how the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) signed by Trump in his first term is affecting American workers and businesses and if America should remain in the agreement. Members of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet are gathered in Quebec for two days of meetings focused on the US-Canada relationship. Trump also stated that he may impose a universal tariff on all imports. The News/Media Alliance is meeting with members of Congress to advocate against these proposed tariffs on newsprint and other supplies.

Holly Lubart is Vice President, Government Affairs at the News/Media Alliance. Previously, she served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the PA NewsMedia Association and started her career as a journalist. Lubart has over 20 years of political and communications experience.