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Amid the chaos of the Trump trade war, the administration has pivoted to a new narrative: a drug war. The claim? Canada is allegedly a major source of fentanyl entering the United States.
According to Kevin Hassett, Trump’s National Economic Council Director, Canada is supposedly fueling the fentanyl crisis in the US.
Transcript from ABC’s This Week:
KARL: So, this is a drug war, not a trade war?
HASSETT: Yes, Canada is a major source of fentanyl entering the US, even though it’s only 1%.
KARL: But is Canada really a significant source?
HASSETT: Absolutely. I’ve seen evidence in the Situation Room of fentanyl labs in Canada.
KARL: Ok, but is there proof of this?
Video below:
However, the actual amount of fentanyl seized at the US/Canada border tells a different story, with only 43 lbs seized. The administration’s smear campaign against Canada seems unfounded.
As the Trump administration struggles with the failure of its trade war, the shift to a drug war narrative appears to be an attempt to divert attention from the economic repercussions of tariffs.
It seems that when one policy fails, another is hastily put in its place. What are your thoughts on this new tactic? Share in the comments below.