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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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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