In a fiery campaign rally held on August 20, 2023, in Michigan, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump didn’t mince words as he launched a blistering attack on Mexico, accusing it of taking advantage of the United States amidst ongoing immigration and trade disputes. With a palpable intensity in his voice, Trump asserted that Mexico was not actively addressing the migrant crisis, while simultaneously exploiting trade policies by sending electric vehicles tariff-free into the U.S. market.
“Mexico is capitalizing on our country,” Trump proclaimed, his gestures animated and passionate. He recounted a hypothetical negotiation, where Mexico allegedly sought staggering sums, declaring, “They wanted $200 billion just to have a discussion! I refuse to entertain those requests. Not under my watch! That kind of trade relationship ends now!”
Trump’s rhetoric painted a picture of an impending trade war, with a stern warning that he would dismantle commercial ties with Mexico if he were to return to the White House. He accused his opponent, Kamala Harris, of facilitating Mexican investment in electric vehicle production through companies like Tesla, with plans to establish factories in Nuevo León. “If I were back in the Oval Office, I’d raise tariffs to mind-boggling percentages—upwards of 200%!” he added, underscoring his proactive stance against perceived injustices in trade.
In a pointed criticism of Harris’s leadership at the border, Trump asserted that she could have leveraged the situation to prevent Mexico from bypassing tariffs. “She should have stood firm and said, ‘If you don’t comply, we will not trade! No more cars from you!'” he exclaimed, alluding to what he deemed a strategic capitulation that led to the loss of 32% of the U.S. automotive industry to Mexico over the years.
He passionately lamented the construction of substantial automotive plants in Mexico, hinting at the shadow of China lurking behind the scenes, involved in manufacturing for American markets. “No way are we going to let these companies ship cars here without tax—100% or even 200% tariffs are on the table!” Trump vowed. His rhetoric was sharp, a battle cry against the perceived exploitation and unfair economic practices.
With nostalgia, he revisited his presidency, reminiscing about the contentious construction of the controversial border wall from 2017 to 2021, insisting that he had successfully pressured former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to deploy thousands of troops to guard the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump recounted a dramatic negotiation scene where he threatened escalating tariffs until compliance was achieved—a tactical game of economic chess that, in his view, he had decisively won. “Peña Nieto was a good guy, but it was all about getting what we deserved,” Trump reflected, turning the past into an enduring lesson in toughness in negotiations.
As the rally drew to a close, Trump’s simple yet assertive promise lingered in the air:
trade would be restructured, alliances tested, and the landscape of America’s commercial dealings repositioned under his leadership.
