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Fact check: Donald trump wants to close the border with canada

Checked on December 11, 2024

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results

The original statement oversimplifies Trump's position on the Canadian border. While Trump has expressed concerns about northern border security and proposed stricter control measures, including 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, he has not called for a complete border closure. Border arrests have increased significantly from 2,000 in 2022 to over 23,000 in 2024, particularly in the Swanton Sector between Quebec and northeastern U.S. states.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

  • The scale of northern border crossings (23,000) remains far lower than southern border crossings (250,000 at peak)
  • Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan specifically identifies the Canadian border as a "huge national security issue"
  • Canada has already taken proactive measures, including reducing immigration targets and closing irregular crossing routes
  • Both countries maintain ongoing diplomatic relations and desire to preserve their trade relationship
  • The focus appears to be on specific issues like drug trafficking (especially fentanyl), potential terrorist entry, and irregular immigration crossings

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The statement presents a binary, extreme position ("close the border") that misrepresents the actual policy proposals. This oversimplification could benefit:

  • Political opponents who want to paint Trump's immigration policies as extreme and unreasonable
  • Media outlets seeking attention-grabbing headlines
  • Anti-immigration activists who might use this oversimplification to rally support for stricter border policies

The reality is more nuanced, involving targeted security measures, economic pressure through tariffs, and diplomatic negotiations rather than a complete border closure.

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