The newly elected US President Donald Trump has proposed the idea of Mexico and Canada becoming US states if they want to continue receiving, as he said, US subsidies, reports “Newsweek”, quoted by BTA.
Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on the two neighboring US countries if they do not take measures to reduce the trafficking of migrants and drugs into US territory. He defended his plan to impose tariffs during an interview with NBC television. There he said that the US subsidizes Mexico to the tune of almost $300 billion a year, as well as Canada to the tune of about $100 billion a year.
„We subsidize Canada with over $100 billion a year. We subsidize Mexico to the tune of almost $300 billion a year. It shouldn't be like that. Why are we subsidizing these countries? "If we're going to subsidize them, let them become US states," Trump said. “We subsidize Mexico and Canada, as well as many countries around the world. The only thing I want is for there to be equal, fast, but fair conditions of competition," he added.
Trump appears to have been referring to the U.S. trade deficit with Canada and Mexico, but has exaggerated the numbers, it seems, notes “Newsweek”. According to US statistics in 2023. the trade deficit in goods and services with Canada was nearly $41 billion, and with Mexico - over $162 billion.
More than 75 Nobel laureates oppose the choice of Robert Kennedy Jr. to be the US Secretary of Health in the administration of Donald Trump, reported France Presse, quoted by BTA.
In a joint appeal, 77 Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry, medicine and economics say Robert Kennett Jr. lacks experience and also point out his anti-vaccine positions.
"Given his track record, putting Mr. Kennedy in charge of the Department of Health would be a risk to public health,” said the Nobel laureates. Among them is Drew Wiseman, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine last year for his work on the development of the mRNA vaccines that have played a crucial role in the fight against Covid-19.
Robert Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of the assassinated John F. Kennedy and at one point fought for the presidential nomination of the American Republicans, but then sided with Trump. Trump has announced that he will appoint him as Secretary of Health. This nomination must be approved by the Senate of the US Congress.
Kennedy Jr. is an environmental law specialist, has no scientific background, and has been spreading conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines as well as a supposed link between vaccines and autism. He also wants to stop the addition of fluoride to running water, considered a great sanitary success in the fight against tooth decay.
"Besides his lack of qualifications or relevant experience in medicine, science or public health or in government, Mr. Kennedy opposed many vaccines that have enabled the protection of health and saved lives, such as the measles vaccine or against polio“, say the Nobel laureates. “We urge you to vote against confirming his candidacy for Secretary of Health”, they urge US senators
Several of Trump's choices for his future administration have sparked controversy. In particular, he appointed Pete Hegseth, a former military man and anchor on “Fox News” to head the Pentagon despite accusations against him of sexual abuse and excessive drinking. But Trump's initial pick for Justice Secretary Matt Gaetz was dropped because of allegations of a sexual relationship with an underage girl.