President Donald Trump backed away from a recent threat to close the southern border with Mexico after widespread opposition.
The Washington Post says the president gave Mexico a “one-year ultimatum” to halt the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States.
The president told reporters late last week that he would impose a 25 percent tariff on Mexican auto imports, and then would close the southern border if Mexico didn’t make enough progress on drugs and migrants flowing into the U.S.
He also didn’t provide a clear path on how his administration will deal with the record upswing in migrants.
The president’s announcement comes amid reports that the U.S. Border Patrol was at the breaking point.
The threat to close the border took administration aide by surprise.
The change in plans was sparked by heavy pushback from both the business and agriculture communities.
Members of Congress, as well as White House advisers, warned of potential economic damage from such a drastic move.
The Mexican government doesn’t seem concerned.
The Mexican Undersecretary for North America simply says:
“We are not concerned.”