Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Trump administration’s use of tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, citing national security concerns linked to fentanyl trafficking. Speaking publicly, Bessent described the measure as critical to protecting American lives, stating, “This is really a national security issue.”

The tariffs, enacted in February 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), imposed 25 percent on Mexican and Canadian goods and 10 to 20 percent on Chinese imports. The Trump administration cited drug and immigration emergencies as the justification, noting a significant reduction in fentanyl deaths following the implementation of these measures.

Bessent warned that if the Supreme Court were to overturn the tariffs, it would represent a loss for the American people. The legal challenge, which includes potential retaliatory measures by affected nations, is currently before the Court, with a ruling expected in January 2026. Experts estimate that a reversal could trigger up to $168 billion in refunds, creating substantial economic consequences.

The Treasury Secretary emphasized that the tariffs are more than a trade issue—they are a tool to combat transnational drug trafficking and associated criminal networks. Bessent’s statements frame the matter as a continuation of national security policy, linking trade enforcement directly to the protection of American communities from fentanyl-related fatalities.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the Trump administration and Treasury officials continue to highlight the public health and security rationale behind the controversial tariffs, underscoring the stakes for both economic and human security.