Kristi Noem Goes to Bat for Trump Tariffs On Meet the Press — Claims ‘Other People’s Reactions’ Will Be to Blame for Price Hikes

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem admitted Sunday that Americans could see some price increases in the short term after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico on Saturday.

But she told NBC’s Kristen Welker Trump will not be responsible for those potential price hikes. Noem instead argued on Meet the Press that “other people’s reactions” will be to blame if American consumers feel squeezed by the tariffs.

Welker noted leaders in Canada, China, and Mexico had vowed “retaliatory strikes” to the tariffs and asked Noem, “Is the United States now in a trade war?”

Noem argued China and America’s regional trade allies and neighbors had every opportunity to avoid the tariffs. She said all declined to help the White House curb immigration and the smuggling of drugs:

You know, these countries have an opportunity to get on board with the president of the United States and to partner with us to deal with illegal immigration, to take back their individuals that have been in our country illegally. We want to repatriate them home. And they can be partners. So economically, yes, they will feel pain. They will feel what the consequences are, and we’ll be able to continue to go forward with a president who’s strong, who’s putting America first.

Welker replied by noting Canada is not a major source for the importation of fentanyl into the country.

“You know, let me just stress that point that I made, which is the president cites stopping the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migrants for reasons for these tariffs,” she said. “And yet, Madam Secretary, Canada is not a major source of fentanyl coming into the United States. It’s frankly minuscule compared to what is seized at the southern border.”

Welker then asked, “Why is the United States punishing Canada, one of its closest allies, more than China, where fentanyl originates?”

Noem disagreed with Welker before the pair moved back on to the subject of the tariffs and their potential to cost Americans:

WELKER: As you know, Madam Secretary, economists all across the board are warning that ultimately tariffs lead to higher prices for consumers and that these tariffs in particular could see prices increase on food, electronics, and cars. The president himself acknowledging this morning these tariffs could cause, quote, “some pain.” How is this move helping President Trump fulfill his campaign promise to lower prices?

NOEM: You know, you’ve seen the president take action already this week with Colombia. And you saw Colombia react in a very positive way that was good for everyone involved. Canada, Mexico, other countries have the opportunity to do exactly the same. So we have a strong leader. He has laid down exactly what he is going to do and what the consequences are. I encourage their leadership teams to get onboard and to make sure that they’re not pushing up prices. If prices go up, it’s because of other people’s reactions to America’s laws. And that’s what President Trump is doing. He is making sure that we’re not picking and choosing winners and losers, that the law applies equally to everybody, American citizens. It applies to those who are here illegally. And our world leaders across the country and across the world, they can help us, or they’re going to face some consequences.

WELKER: Okay, so notable, you are acknowledging it is possible that prices could, at least initially, go up.

Watch above via NBC News.