Trump says he WILL impose tariffs on Mexico within days

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will impose tariffs on Mexico within the week and warned Republican lawmakers who are trying to stop them that he’s a popular force in their party.

‘There is nothing more important than borders,’ Trump said during a news conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London.   

The president’s proposal to increase tariffs on all goods from Mexico caused controversy among his own White House and within his own party.

Trump addressed the issue during a news conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May

Congressional Republicans are reported to be looking into whether they can stop such a move, which would set up yet another battle between the executive and legislative branches.

Trump dismissed such an idea by bragging about his support among the GOP faithful. 

‘I don’t think they will do that,’ he said. ‘I think if they do, it’s foolish.’

‘I have had tremendous Republican support. I have a 94 per cent approval rating of this morning in the Republican Party. An all-time record. Can you believe that? Isn’t that something? I love records,’ he added. 

It’s unclear where the president got the 94 per cent number.  

Some Republicans are concerned the president’s move would essentially result in tax increases on American businesses and consumers. 

But Trump defended his move to impose tariffs on Mexico unless the country stops all illegal migration into the United States.

‘I think it’s more likely the tariffs go on and we’ll probably be talking during the time the tariffs are on and they will be paid,’ he argued.

‘Millions of people are flowing through Mexico. That’s unacceptable. Millions and millions of people are coming right through Mexico,’ he noted, adding: ‘Even beyond the laws, Mexico shouldn’t allow millions of people to try to enter our country. They could stop it very quickly. And I think they will. If they won’t, we’ll put tariffs on.’

Trump argued his plan to raise tariffs – 5 per cent on all Mexican goods as of June 10, increasing by another 5 percent a month until October – would bring business back to the U.S. 

‘Every month those tariffs go from 5 per cent to 10 per cent to 15 per cent to 20 and to 25 per cent. And what will happen then is all of those companies that have left our country and gone to Mexico are going to be coming back to us,’ he said.

And then he complained he didn’t want to hear any excuses on why Mexico couldn’t stop the rising tide of immigrants. 

‘I don’t want to hear that Mexico is run by the cartels and the drug lords and the coyotes. I don’t want to hear about that. A lot of people are saying that. Mexico has something to prove. But I don’t want to hear they’re run by the cartels, you understand?,’ he said.

‘Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country,’ he added. 

Mexican officials, meanwhile, said Tuesday they think the two countries will likely come to agreement this week to avoid such a move.

Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the two countries could come to a deal

‘By what we have seen so far, we will be able to reach an agreement,’ Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said during a press conference held at the Mexican embassy. ‘That is why I think the imposition of tariffs can be avoided.’ 

Ebrard arrived in Washington D.C. over the weekend to meet Wednesday with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the issue.  

Mexican officials argue they are trying to stop the flow of immigrants to the U.S. and say an increase in tariffs would hurt both countries economically.