The leaders of Mexico and Canada responded quickly, and in different ways. Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, jumped on the phone to Mr Trump to chat about the “intense and effective connections” between their countries. His deputy, Chrystia Freeland, released a statement about the importance of border security.

The president-elect’s opening salvo in trade and border talks with the United States’ neighbors is casting a harsh light on the North American alliance.

President-elect Donald Trump promised to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office. Imports from Mexico and Canada totaled $900 billion in 2023. Trump has proposed tariffs as a solution to government funding.