Business Insider reports:
Sean Spicer, White House press secretary for President Donald Trump, told reporters on Thursday that the administration is considering a 20% border tax on Mexican imports, according to the White House press pool report.
“When you look at the plan that’s taking shape now, using comprehensive tax reform as a means to tax imports from countries that we have a trade deficit from, like Mexico,” said Spicer, per the pool report.
Spicer said the border tax would be part of a broader tax reform package and would help pay for the proposed wall along the US-Mexico border, according to the report. “It clearly provides the funding and does so in a way that the American taxpayer is wholly respected,” said Spicer.
Donald Trump has just launched a trade war with Mexico, without congressional approval I might add. https://t.co/m7YgoW6IhB
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) January 26, 2017
6 days in & 1st trade war is with Mexico: As Trump threatens 20% border tax Mexico says: We'll respond 'immediately' https://t.co/A8Qbeoy87g
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) January 26, 2017
These are the cars made in Mexico. Imagine what consumers will say when they have to pay a 20 percent Wall Tax. https://t.co/gqhX0AoNNa pic.twitter.com/1AdJEa2TUn
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 26, 2017
@nytimes Translation: American people will be paying 20% more for products imported from Mexico. We still end up paying for the wall.
— Majax (@Majax16) January 26, 2017
Using a 20 percent tax on Mexican imports to pay for Trump's border wall seems like a good way to ensure that American consumers pay for it.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) January 26, 2017