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White House cites drop in people caught at Canada-U.S. border as tariffs continue

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says there have been "successes" at the Canada-U.S. border — but is offering no new hints about what might convince U.S. President Donald Trump to drop his tariffs on Canada.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Mark Schiefelbein

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says there have been "successes" at the Canada-U.S. border — but is offering no new hints about what might convince U.S. President Donald Trump to drop his tariffs on Canada.

Leavitt says there has been a significant drop in the number of people illegally crossing into the U.S. from Canada.

Trump cited the flow of people and fentanyl across the border as his reason for hitting Canada with steep economywide tariffs in March.

The president partially paused those duties a few days later for imports compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.

Imports that aren’t compliant continue to be hit with 25 per cent tariffs, with a lower 10 per cent levy on energy and potash.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows a tiny volume of fentanyl is seized at the northern border.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press