On the eve of the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump has outlined an aggressive trade policy, promising to hit Mexico with a hefty tariff to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States.

During his final campaign rally in North Carolina, Trump pledged a swift course of action on his first day if he wins office, vowing to pick up the phone and implement a 25% tariff on all Mexican imports, as the Daily Mail reports.

Trump's announcement came with a warning that he is prepared to escalate the tariff even further if his demands aren’t met. Amid a roaring crowd, he unveiled his plan to call Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, making clear his intentions to press for swift changes concerning the flow of migrants and narcotics across the Southern border.

Trump Criticizes Opponents and Expresses Confidence

At the heart of his speech was a blistering critique of his political opponents and a reflection on his campaign journey.

Taking aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump accused her of potentially appropriating his ideas. He referred to remarks made by figures like Michelle Obama, highlighting contentious points between them.

Reflecting on his familial relationships, Trump shared snippets of family advice, noting how his daughter Ivanka expressed her enthusiasm and how his son's encouraged him to "take it easy" amid the grueling campaign trail.

Trump expressed profound confidence in his chances of success in the 2024 election but acknowledged the potential challenge ahead, referencing close races Republicans have faced in the past.

Tariff Strategy Unveiled at North Carolina Rally

He used his platform in North Carolina to emphasize the effectiveness of his strategies, including his proposed 25 percent tariff strategy on Mexican imports. He voiced his belief in the certainty of its success, describing it as having a complete “chance of working.”

The plan aims to leverage economic pressure to address the issue of migrants and drugs entering the U.S., a topic top of Trump’s campaign agenda. The Department of Homeland Security had recently requested significant funds from Congress to counter the same issues, adding context to Trump's urgency.

If Mexico fails to meet his demands, Trump outlined a possible escalation of the tariff to 50%, with further increases to 75% or even 100% if necessary. Such moves would mark one of his first significant acts of foreign policy in a potential second tenure.

Rhetorical Approach and Plans for Day One

Trump justified his often spontaneous and unscripted rhetoric, defending what he termed as “the weave.” Amid his response to critics' claims of “rambling” remarks, he reinforced ihis technique as a form of genius, a sentiment echoed in his habitual segue from topic to topic, including plugs for former first lady Melania Trump’s new book and discussions on domestic matters.

Even in the face of fatigue, observable through his hoarse voice, Trump continued to project vigor. He lauded campaign surrogates like Marco Rubio and Sarah Huckabee Sanders for their efficiency, demonstrating his own penchant for time management during a day filled with rallies.

Attacks and Economic Strategy

True to form, Trump directed sharp critiques towards perennial political adversaries such as Nancy Pelosi and disparaged her husband’s stock dealing practices, linking them to broader economic challenges faced by Republicans.

Central to his economic narrative was his charge to Mexico to rein in the crisis at the U.S. border via his proposed tariff, a threat he claimed to have deferred announcing until the finale of his campaign to prevent it from being co-opted by opposition leaders.

Focus on Family and Personal Touches

Inserting personal touches into his campaign rhetoric remained a key part of Trump’s messaging. His narrative frequently highlighted interactions with family members, like advice from his children that painted a more intimate picture amid the broader political discourse. This storytelling approach appeared to resonate with crowds familiar with his family dynamics.

Trump’s engagement with familial anecdotes and off-the-cuff comments was evident even in his newfound, lighthearted appreciation for pets, prompted by interactions with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, showcasing a different side of the often-combative public figure.

Wrapping up Campaign on a Confident Note

Trump concluded his final rally before the election by wrapping his unconventional and varied rhetoric in a message of optimism. He shared faith in his supporters’ turnout at the polls while emphasizing his record of previous acquittal and resilience against political impeachment.

The rhetoric was consistent with Trump’s inimitable style, mixing personal anecdotes and broad policy outlines into an unpredictable speech pattern that he claimed to be a demonstration of “genius.” With steadfast confidence, he prepared to rely on his strategies to deliver another potential presidential victory.