White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says there have been “successes” at the Canada-U.S. border but she did not provide any clues about what would convince U.S. President Donald Trump to lift his tariffs on his northern neighbour.
Only 54 individuals were detained last month in the “hot spot” Swanton Sector, along the border that includes parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, Leavitt said during an April 22 press briefing. This represents a 95 percent decrease since last March, when the region accounted for more than 80 percent of all apprehensions along the northern border during the 2024 fiscal year.
“Operational control of the border is becoming a reality and the [Trump] administration’s historic measures are yielding huge results,” Leavitt said. “Illegal aliens are finally getting the blunt message, if you cross the border illegally, you will be swiftly deported and never return to the United States of America.”
The flow of people and fentanyl across the shared border was first cited by Trump last fall as the reason Canada would face 25 percent tariffs on goods it exports to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data has indicated a minimal quantity of fentanyl is confiscated at the northern border.
The Liberal government implemented increased border protections last year in response to Trump’s concerns, deploying more helicopters and drones while assigning additional personnel to border security. Canada also appointed a “fentanyl czar,” listed Mexican cartels as terrorist groups, and launched a Canada-U.S. joint strike force to combat cross-border drug crime.
Trump said while Canada has responded to his demands, the tariffs would move ahead until fentanyl trafficking is eradicated.
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He issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency at the northern border and in March proceeded with the implementation of tariffs against Canada, only to temporarily suspend the duties a few days later for imports that adhered to the countries’ free trade agreement.
Non-compliant imports remain subject to a 25 percent tariff, while a reduced levy of 10 percent applies to energy and potash.
The White House has not commented on whether Leavitt’s statements suggest modifications will be made to the tariffs imposed by the president.
Trump’s ever-changing approach to international trade has led to market volatility this month as the president imposed “reciprocal” tariffs on countries and then paused them shortly after, leaving a universal 10 percent tariff on countries affected. A 90-day pause to negotiate trade deals was implemented for most countries but 25 percent levies on automobile, steel and aluminum imports remain in place. China was also slapped with a 145 percent surtax, which remains in place.
Trump on April 22 said the U.S. was in a transition period that would last “a little while.” He said the White House is “doing well with every country” because “ultimately, we have something they want.”
Leavitt said Washington, D.C., has received 18 proposals from other countries for trade deals, but didn’t say what the administration’s next steps would be.
“There’s a lot of time left and the president’s trade team is working again at Trump speed, as quickly as they can, to ensure that these deals can be made,” she said.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, who had a phone conversation with Trump at the end of last month, has said the president consented to holding negotiations on a new economic and security agreement after Canada’s general election on April 28.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
