Newly sworn-in Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is praising President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, saying they’re an “economic developer’s dream.”
“It’s certainly an incentive for Americans to say, ‘Let’s get going on producing energy here,’” Mr. Burgum said on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” Monday. “But you saw the lower tariff on Canadian energy. This reflects President Trump thoughtfully considering the impacts on Americans, but still putting pressure on those related to the border.”
“This isn’t a trade war with Canada or Mexico or China, this is about fentanyl,” he said. “These tariffs began with that. It’s about securing our border for both illegal entry but also because of the drugs that are killing our Americans.”
Mr. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and a 10% tariff on China Saturday to prevent the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants into the U.S. Energy imports from Canada, such as oil, gas and electricity, will be taxed 10%.
The tariffs will go into effect Tuesday. Canada and Mexico have already ordered retaliatory tariffs.
Mr. Burgum said Mr. Trump “is off to such a great start on his first day declaring an energy emergency for our country.”
“Our electrical grid has been weakened by the actions of the Biden administration the last four years, and of course on the oil and natural gas side we have an opportunity to sell to our friends and allies, produce more energy here, lower the price of energy costs at home,” he said.
He railed against Democrats for supporting inflationary policies under the Biden administration.
“Where were all these Democrat voices when they all voted and cheered for what should’ve been named the ‘inflation creation act.’ The highest inflation we had in 40 years was driven by these same folks that voted for trillions of dollars in spending,” he said. “It’s the spending that drives inflation. What we’re doing here — this is an economic developer’s dream.”
“If you said, ‘Wow, we’re going to tariff foreign products and we’re going to have no tariffs at home, we’re going to lower energy prices at home, we’re going to bring manufacturing and jobs back,’” he said. “If you’re trying to attract foreign investment in this country, there’s never been a better time to do it than right now.”
Mr. Trump had said he put tariffs on the three countries to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants. He has also said that tariffs will cause companies to bring their manufacturing back to the U.S. and employ U.S. workers.
Democrats have criticized the tariffs, saying Mr. Trump promised to bring down grocery prices, but his tariffs will do the opposite.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.