Fact check: Did trump call his own trade deal with Mexico and Canada bad and wanted to renegotiate?

1. Summary of the results

Yes, Trump has shifted his position on the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). He initially praised it as the "most modern, up-to-date, and balanced trade agreement" when signing it in 2018 ^[1] and called it the "best agreement we've ever made" in 2020 ^[2]. However, he is now criticizing the same deal, claiming that Mexico and Canada "take advantage" of the United States ^[3] and expressing desire to renegotiate it.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original question:

• The USMCA already has a built-in review provision scheduled for July 2026 ^[4], meaning any renegotiation wouldn't be unexpected or unprecedented.
• The original changes from NAFTA to USMCA were relatively modest with minimal economic impact, according to the International Trade Commission ^[5].
• Trump's proposed response goes beyond mere renegotiation - he's suggesting 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods ^[3], which would effectively undermine the existing agreement.
• The renegotiation might be part of a broader strategy to influence other policy areas, including immigration and national security ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question oversimplifies a complex situation:

• It doesn't acknowledge that regular review was always part of the agreement ^[4], which could make Trump's current position seem more contradictory than it actually is.
• The proposed changes could create significant uncertainty for cross-border businesses ^[4], affecting multiple stakeholders beyond just the governments involved.
• Various groups would benefit from different outcomes:

**Business interests** would prefer stability and predictability in trade relations

Political actors could use the renegotiation to advance other policy objectives like immigration control ^[6]

• Manufacturing sector stakeholders might benefit from stronger protectionist measures, as the original deal was designed to encourage US manufacturing ^[5]