Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on imposing punitive tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, insisting they will take effect next week despite the countries’ attempts to bolster border security against fentanyl. During his first cabinet meeting Wednesday, Trump exaggerated the number of overdose deaths linked to the drug, later clarifying in a Truth Social post that he would proceed with his threat to impose 25% tariffs on these two key allies starting Tuesday. ‘Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels,’ Trump stated. He emphasized that much of this fentanyl originates from China, adding that over 100,000 people died last year due to its distribution, with millions lost over the past two decades. The president expressed deep concern for the families of victims, describing their devastation as ‘virtually destroyed.’ At the cabinet meeting, Trump had initially claimed 300,000 annual deaths from fentanyl overdoses, though U.S. CDC data estimates it at around 55,000 for the period ending in September 2024. In his tariff announcement, he revised this number downward. ‘We cannot allow this scourge to continue harming the USA,’ Trump wrote. ‘Until it stops or is seriously limited, the proposed tariffs scheduled to go into effect on March Fourth will indeed take effect as planned.’ He also announced an additional 10% tariff on China starting the same date, with the April Second reciprocal tariff date remaining unchanged. ‘Thank you for your attention to this matter,’ Trump concluded. ‘GOD BLESS AMERICA!’