Trump Expects Tariffs To Take Effect June 10

President Donald Trump Tuesday said he expects the Mexican tariffs he announced via Twitter last week to likely take effect June 10 despite current talks with Mexico. 

"We are going to see if we can do something but I think it's more likely that the tariffs go on," Trump said during a press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May. "We will probably be talking during the time that the tariffs are on, and they are going to be paid."

The U.S. and Mexico are set to meet Wednesday as Mexico looks to avoid the levies that are set to go into effect Monday. Republican and Democrat lawmakers are equally upset about the potential tariffs. 

"I don't even want to think about it," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) of the potential economic fallout that could hit his state if Trump slaps tariffs on Mexico. He warned of dire consequences for Trump's legislative agenda, too. 

"I think this calls into question our ability to pass the USMCA," he said. 

Still, a potential disapproval vote on the tariffs could put GOP lawmakers in a tough spot, Politico reports. President Trump warned lawmakers against blocking his action. 

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

Meanwhile U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lightizer and his staff are spending plenty of time this week encouraging lawmakers not to let their frustration over the tariffs influence the approval of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

“The White House will send an official to Senate Republicans' policy lunch today to answer questions about the pending Mexico tariffs,” Politico reports. “Trump's aides, including members of the White House legislative affairs team, have sought to tamp down frustrations in Congress by separating the issues.”

U.S. and Mexico are scheduled to meet Wednesday (date) as Mexico looks to avoid the levies set to go into effect Monday (date).