Border Security & Minnesota Turkey Farms | 11.27.24

Summary

Morning Wire Episode Summary – Border Security & Minnesota Turkey Farms | 11.27.24

Released on November 27, 2024, Morning Wire hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe delves into pressing issues surrounding border security and the challenges facing Minnesota’s turkey farming industry. This episode provides an in-depth analysis of President Elect Donald Trump’s new tariff policies, Texas’s enhanced border measures, and the regulatory obstacles threatening Minnesota’s agricultural sector.

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1. President Elect Trump’s New Tariff Policies

Implementation of Tariffs

President Elect Donald Trump made a significant policy announcement, declaring the imposition of substantial tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada. Starting [00:03], John Bickley reports, “Trump threatens Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs unless they help stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the U.S.”

Cabot Philips Explains the Policy

Daily Wire Senior Editor Cabot Philips elaborates on the rationale behind these tariffs:

“Candidate Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to implement wide-scale tariffs and now President Elect Trump is following through in a big way. This week he posted on his Truth Social app that on day one of his second term, he will order a 25% tariff on all goods coming into America from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. That's in addition to those already in place.” [02:04]

Philips further explains that these tariffs aim to compel Canada and Mexico to address the issues of illegal immigration and drug trafficking:

“According to Trump, these tariffs are meant to force Canada and Mexico to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs through their countries. ... 'Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power. And until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price so the tariffs can be removed if the two countries crack down on drugs and illegal immigrants.'” [02:24]

Market Impact and International Reactions

The immediate effect of these tariffs was felt in the financial markets, with the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso experiencing a downturn [03:14].

Canada’s Response

Canada's reaction was mixed. Premier Doug Ford of Ontario expressed strong disapproval:

“To compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing I've ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States.” [03:20]

Conversely, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister stated a willingness to collaborate on border security:

“Border security is our top priority and we would work with the U.S. to disrupt the scourge of fentanyl coming from China.” [03:20]

Mexico’s Stance

Mexico responded defensively under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum:

“Drugs are a problem of public health and consumption in America's society. ... Mexico is ready to implement tariffs of their own in response.” [04:03]

Philips notes the potential for escalating tensions:

“Things could get messy with our neighbors to the south. Trump, however, says he will do whatever it takes to force them to crack down on the border crisis.” [04:48]

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2. Domestic Political Reactions to Tariffs

Democratic Opposition

Democrats largely opposed Trump’s tariff plans, arguing that they would lead to increased costs for American consumers:

“Tariffs are a tax ultimately paid for by American consumers.” [04:54]

Republican Support and Pushback

While Republicans generally supported the strategic use of tariffs, there was some dissent within the party regarding specific measures, such as the deployment of the National Guard for deportations. Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns:

“I don't think it's the best way to do it. It's less clear whether that's legal or illegal. ... I think there's a lot of FBI, there's a lot of Border Patrol agents. There's a better way to do it and it needs to be individualized.” [09:50]

Additionally, Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick addressed conflicts with local officials, emphasizing legal repercussions for resisting deportations:

“Look, me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing. He's willing to go to jail. I'm willing to put him in jail because there's a statute... it's a felony if you knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien from immigration authorities.” [10:27]

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3. Texas’s Enhanced Border Security Efforts

Collaboration with Trump’s Border Czar

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying border security in collaboration with Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar. Abbott highlighted Texas’s proactive measures:

“We spent over $8 billion... the governor asked for it and we put it to work. So now between President Trump at the top, Kristi Noem, Tom Holman, Governor Abbott, myself and the state legislature, we're going to close this son of a gun down.” [07:35]

Viral Incident of a Two-Year-Old Girl

A heart-wrenching story emerged of a two-year-old girl arriving unaccompanied at the border. Georgia Howe commented critically on previous administrations’ handling of such cases:

“We have seen this. ... Biden and Kamala Harris didn’t care. ... This is horrendous torture to these children.” [08:03]

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4. Challenges Facing Minnesota’s Turkey Farming Industry

Impact of Regulations on Turkey Farms

Minnesota, the leading turkey producer in the U.S., is grappling with stringent regulations that threaten its thriving industry. Mairead Elordi reports:

“Minnesota has over 600 turkey farms and produces about 39 million Thanksgiving turkeys a year. ... regulation is threatening the farmers and the industry.” [04:41]

Jim Schultz on Regulatory Burdens

Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council, highlighted the financial strain on farmers:

“Since 2022, net farm income is down substantially. ... heavy-handed mandates have become just so onerous on them.” [12:12]

California’s Proposition 12

California’s Proposition 12 mandates specific living conditions for animals, affecting out-of-state farmers:

“Proposition 12 ... mandates certain living spaces for different animals... it affects Minnesota farmers who want to sell their products in California.” [12:34]

Schultz’s Defense of Farmers

Addressing misconceptions, Schultz emphasized farmers' commitment to their land and animals:

“Nobody is more invested in their land than the farmers who have raised them for generations... Bureaucrats ... tend to view farmers as malicious profiteers. That couldn't be further from the truth.” [13:10]

Future Policies Under Trump’s Administration

Looking ahead, Schultz anticipates a more supportive environment for farmers under Trump:

“A lighter touch on regulation, a friendlier EPA and an administration that is pro farmer, which Schultz is looking forward to.” [13:43]

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Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive examination of the impending changes in U.S. border policy under President Elect Trump and the significant challenges faced by Minnesota’s turkey farmers due to increasing regulatory pressures. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe shed light on the complexities of national security and agricultural sustainability, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of these critical issues.

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Stay informed with Morning Wire for balanced and in-depth coverage of the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Trump threatens Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs unless they help stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the.

[Georgia Howe]

U.S. this is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on, and that's what we'll do.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Weyer Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Wednesday, November 27th, and this is Morning Wire. Texas is beefing up border security and working side by side with Trump's incoming border czar.

[Georgia Howe]

It's reassuring to know that we have.

[Cabot Philips]

Strong leadership now moving forward and as.

[Georgia Howe]

Governor Abbott mentioned, now we have an ally as opposed to having an adversary with the federal government.

[Tim Pierce]

And Minnesota is the Thanksgiving turkey capital of the US but regulation is threatening the farmers and the industry.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

[Brandon]

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[Tim Pierce]

This week, President elect Donald Trump announced that he will implement steep new tariffs on goods coming in from Mexico and Canada.

[John Bickley]

Here to break down what's behind the new policy and the impact it'll have, is Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Philips, a Cabot. So a major announcement here. What can you tell us?

[Cabot Philips]

Well, candidate Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to implement wide scale tariffs and now President Elect Trump is following through in a big way. This week he posted on his Truth Social app that on day one of his second term, he will order a 25% tariff on all goods coming into America from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. That's in addition to those already in place. Now, typically tariffs must be approved by Congress, but president can unilaterally impose them in certain instances, including those involving national security. And that is likely the route he'll go.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, tell us about his reasoning there.

[Cabot Philips]

So according to Trump, these tariffs are meant to force Canada and Mexico to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs through their countries. Into ours. Remember, the Mexican government in particular has really actively helped facilitate the flow of Central and South American migrants to America, going as far as offering bus rides from their own border in the south to the US Border in the north. Those trips even include free meals and security along the way. In Trump's words, quote, mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power. And until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price so the tariffs can be removed if the two countries crack down on drugs and illegal immigrants. But they'll pay a heavy price until then. To that point, the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso already tumbled when markets opened yesterday morning.

[John Bickley]

All right, so an immediate impact on the markets already. How have the two countries responded?

[Cabot Philips]

Well, the announcement drew a mixed response in Canada. Some leaders there expressed immediate outrage, vowing to respond with tariffs of their own and bristling at the accusation that they were facilitating illegal immigration. Premier Doug Ford of Ontario, for example, said, quote, to compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing I've ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States. But others there have taken a slightly more deferential approach. Canada's deputy prime minister and public safety minister released a joint statement this week saying border security is their top priority and stressing that they would work with the U.S. to, quote, disrupt the scourge of fentanyl coming from China. And then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed optimism after a call with President Trump.

[Georgia Howe]

I had a good call with Donald Trump last night again, where you talked about some of the challenges that we can work on together. It was a good call. This is something that we can do.

[Cabot Philips]

For their part, Mexico has taken a much more combative approach. The country's new far left President, Claudia Sheinbaum, essentially blamed America for the border crisis, saying drugs were a, quote, problem of public health and consumption in America's society. She added that while she is open to negotiations with Trump, Mexico is ready to implement tariffs of their own in response. Now, obviously, the US Is in a much stronger position to negotiate, but things could get messy with our neighbors to the south. Trump, however, says he will do whatever it takes to force them to crack down on the border crisis.

[John Bickley]

So coming back stateside, what sort of political reaction have we seen to this announcement?

[Cabot Philips]

Well, it's interesting. In recent decades, Democrats have been more pro tariff and Republicans were the ones against them. But in the age of Trump, we have seen a flip. Most Democrats have come out in opposition to Trump's plan, saying it will result in higher prices on everything from produce to aluminum and steel. Their basic argument is that tariffs are a tax ultimately paid for by American consumers. Now, for their part, Republicans say tariffs are not ideal, but are a necessary and useful tool to incentivize our allies and adversaries alike to take action, in this case on illegal immigration. They say free trade is ideal, but leaves America out to dry when other countries are acting in bad faith or manipulating the market. Remember, Trump has long argued that America is too reliant on foreign goods and that cheap imports have hollowed out American manufacturing, leaving us vulnerable to the whims of countries like China and Mexico. Now we'll have to wait and see exactly what sort of impact these tariffs have and how long they'll remain in place. We'll know very shortly. Trump takes office in just 53 days. All right.

[John Bickley]

Well, Trump already hitting the ground running here, even before retaking office. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Philips]

Anytime.

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[John Bickley]

Texas is ramping up its border security efforts. Governor Greg Abbott hosted Trump's incoming border czar, Tom Homan at Eagle Pass this week in preparation for a joint response to the border crisis.

[Tim Pierce]

Here to talk about Texas renewed efforts to secure the border is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce. So, Tim, what's the latest on border security efforts in the Lone Star State?

[Tom Homan]

Yeah. Homan traveled to Eagle Pass, Texas, where he praised Abbott's efforts and said that Texas has provided the blueprint for border security. Here's what that sounded like.

[Dan Patrick]

Governor Abbott has done an amazing job. Illegal immigration in Texas is down 86%. Think about that. This is a model we can take across the country.

[Tom Homan]

One of the biggest impacts the Trump administration will have immediately is that Texas will no longer have to fight with the federal government on its border security efforts. Here's Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick on Fox News Tuesday, talking About that, our taxpayers.

[Georgia Howe]

Bill, we spent over $8 billion. That's more than many states budgets. $8 billion in the last four years that I write into the budget. The governor asked for it and we put it to work. So now between President Trump at the top, Kristi Noem, Tom Holman, Governor Abbott, myself and the state legislature, we're going to close this son of a gun down.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, earlier this week, the image of a two year old girl at the border went viral. What can you tell us about that story?

[John Bickley]

Right.

[Tom Homan]

A two year old unaccompanied girl showed up at the border. All she had was a piece of paper with a first name and a number on it. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a video of an official questioning her in Spanish. All she could say is that she had come to the United States looking for her parents. That girl was one of about 60 unaccompanied minors that crossed the border with that group. Here's Lieutenant Governor Patrick talking about that.

[Georgia Howe]

In terms of that little girl. Bill, look, we have seen this. You know, this is a sin. I mean, this is, I'm going to say it's a biblical sin in my view of what Biden and Kamala Harris did. They let children in here when President Trump was in office. We took the DNA to try to match with the parents. We also looked at the adult and the child. You know, was the child hesitant? Did they look like they were hugging them? Did they look like they were in fear? We tried under President Trump to protect these children and we did to the best of our ability. And what did Biden do? He got rid of the DNA testing. He told the Border Patrol, just let them through. So today as we speak, there are hundreds of thousands, nearly 300,000 that we don't know where they are because Biden and Kamala Harris didn't care. And they're either being enslaved in some type of work in a sweatshop, they're being sex trafficked, boys and girls, seven, eight, ten times a day. This is a horrendous torture to these children.

[Tim Pierce]

It is unconscionable. And yet we have seen pushback to Trump's immigration agenda from some local and state officials. For example, the Denver mayor comes to mind. But we also have some Republican pushback. What's going on there?

[Tom Homan]

Right. Trump is getting some pushback from Republicans, specifically on using the National Guard to help with deportations. Senator Rand Paul pushed back on the idea during an interview with cbs.

[Rand Paul]

I don't think it's the best way to do it. It's less clear whether that's legal or illegal. Typically, it has to be done at the behest of the governors. I still don't like a militarization of police, whether it's National Guard or Army. I think there's a lot of FBI, there's a lot of Border Patrol agents. There's a better way to do it and it needs to be individualized. That doesn't mean any less serious about getting it done. It just needs to be done according to the law and consistent with our traditions.

[Tom Homan]

And a note on the Denver Mayor Homan went on FOX News on Tuesday and responded to Mayor Mike Johnson's comments about being willing to go to jail to resist deportations.

[Dan Patrick]

Look, me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing. He's willing to go to jail. I'm willing to put him in jail because there's a statue. It's title eight in the United States code 1324 triple. And what it says is it's a felony if you knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien from immigration authorities.

[Tim Pierce]

Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Tom Homan]

Good to be on.

[Tim Pierce]

When many Americans sit down to Thanksgiving dinner tonight, they may not know that their turkey comes from Minnesota, the turkey capital of the country. In recent years, though, the state's turkey industry has been hobbled by controversial regulations. Joining us to discuss is Daily Wire investigative reporter Moiread Elordi. So, Murad, what's going on with Minnesota's turkey industry?

[Mairead Elordi]

Hi, Georgia. Minnesota has over 600 turkey farms and produces about 39 million Thanksgiving turkeys a year. And the industry creates more than 26,000 jobs. But the Biden Harris administration, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and even politicians in California have pushed for regulations that have deeply affected not just the turkey industry, but Minnesota's large agriculture industry generally. We spoke to Jim Schultz, he's the president of the Minnesota Private Business Council, about the effects on the state's agriculture and what the Trump administration might do differently.

[Jim Schultz]

Since 2022, net farm income is down substantially. There's a variety of factors that go into that. Some of it's just, you know, broader economic environment and so forth. But a lot of it is just the one way ration of regulation on our farmers, the tax burdens, the regulatory burdens, the difficulty of running a farm today is immense. And so you get these results. You know, our farmers, you know, around the country, including in Minnesota, are under tremendous pressure. And it is really these, you know, heavy handed mandates that have become just so, so onerous on them.

[Mairead Elordi]

Schultz said a major issue on the Federal level is environmental land grabs, which is when the government decides that an area, sometimes just a wet area the size of a puddle, is a wetland and says farmers can no longer use the land, even though they've been cultivating it for generations in some cases.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, there's also a new California regulation that affects Minnesota farmers. How does that work?

[Mairead Elordi]

That's right. Proposition 12 in California went into effect at the beginning of this year, and it mandates certain living spaces for different animals, such as more space for egg laying hens. And it prohibits the sale of products that don't comply with these regulations. Animal rights groups like PETA are behind the regulations. And even though it's a California regulation, it affects Minnesota farmers who want to sell their products in California. This applies to all states that sell products in California. The Supreme Court upheld the California regulations in May. So it looks like they're here to stay. Schultz said that while there can be a narrative that farmers don't care about their own land or animals, that's not the case at all.

[Jim Schultz]

Nobody is more invested in their land than the farmers who have raised them for generations. You know, in Minnesota here you got six seventh, eighth generation farmers. They also care about the waterways surrounding them. They also care about their animals. They're human beings and they also just the health of their operation depends on it. And so oftentimes, bureaucrats, whether in California or in D.C. or elsewhere, you know, tend to view farmers as these kind of malicious profiteers that simply want to make a buck. And that couldn't be further from the truth.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, looking forward, what policies can we expect from the Trump administration regarding farming?

[Mairead Elordi]

Most of what they're discussing is just a lighter touch on regulation, a friendlier EPA and an administration that is pro farmer, which Schultz is looking forward to. And finally, Schultz shared that he would love for people enjoying a Minnesota turkey tonight to appreciate the state's great agriculture.

[Jim Schultz]

Sometimes we can all take for granted, you know, just the wonderful work that our farmers do every day to provide for our nation and provide for the world.

[Tim Pierce]

Well, thankful to the farmers and to the turkeys. Mairead, thanks for reporting.

[Mairead Elordi]

Thanks, Georgia.

[John Bickley]

Hey, thank you for listening. This morning we created this show to bring more balance to the national conversation. If you love our show and stand with that mission, consider subscribing, giving us a five star rating and most importantly, sharing our podcast with a friend.

[Tim Pierce]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news you need to know.