While the announcement is almost certainly bluster to bring attention to illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling, there are several reasons why it is so risky.

Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China as soon as he gets into office on January 20, 2025. He accused the countries of permitting the flow of illegal migrants and drugs,

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, said he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs, particularly fentanyl, and migrants crossing the border, in a move that would appear to violate a free-trade deal.