(NewsNation) — The border security deal that temporarily staves off a trade war between the U.S. and Canada is a victory for President Donald Trump, GOP Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas says.
“This is the art of the deal. This is who Donald Trump is,” he told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas on Monday. “I just want to emphasize that this is a drug war and not a trade war.”
Trump had threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imported Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, citing the threats of illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking in the U.S. In response, Canada’s leaders had prepared a list of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports.
After Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke Monday afternoon, they announced the tariffs were on hold for 30 days while Canada implements border security measures that include new helicopters, personnel and technology.
Mexico reached a similar truce Monday to avoid U.S. tariffs. Although Mexico may be seen as having a bigger role in issues related to border security, Marshall said Canada cannot turn a blind eye to fentanyl production and smuggling.
“They’re not without sin. But they’re a great country, and we want to work this out, and we will,” he said.