Is Trump having second thoughts.
A major shake-up in North American trade may be on the horizon after U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer revealed that President Donald Trump could withdraw from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as early as next year. The possibility has stunned political observers and reignited debate over whether the pact — originally created to replace NAFTA — still benefits American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.
Greer made it clear: President Trump will not hesitate to walk away from any deal that fails to put America first.
“The president’s view is he only wants deals that are a good deal,” Greer told Politico, noting that Trump built review protections into USMCA specifically so the U.S. could revise or exit the agreement if it stopped delivering results.
Why Trump Is Reconsidering USMCA Now
USMCA governs nearly $2 trillion worth of annual trade across North America. It was designed with a mandatory 2026 review — something Trump insisted upon during negotiations — to ensure America maintained leverage over Mexico and Canada.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration initiated that review, examining the real-world impact of USMCA on:
- American manufacturing
- U.S. farmers and ranchers
- Service-sector jobs
- Small businesses competing against imports
Greer confirmed that withdrawal is very much on the table.
“I mean, that’s always a scenario,” he said.
Under Article 34.6, the U.S. can leave USMCA with a six-month written notice. If Trump determines that the deal is no longer strengthening American jobs and supply chains, he has full authority to pull out.
Canada and Mexico Are Not Equal Partners — And Trump Knows It
Greer pointed out that America’s relationship with Canada looks nothing like its relationship with Mexico — economically or strategically.
“Our relationship with the Canadian economy is totally different than our relationship with the Mexican economy,” he said.
He highlighted sharp differences in:
- Labor standards
- Manufacturing quality
- Import/export balance
- National security considerations
Greer even suggested that future negotiations might be more effective if the U.S. negotiates separately with Canada and Mexico, rather than as a bundled group. The goal: maximize America’s leverage and ensure every deal benefits American workers first.
The 2026 Deadline: A Make-or-Break Moment
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Daniel Watson emphasized that July 2026 will be a critical turning point. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada must decide whether to extend USMCA for another 16 years or allow it to expire.
Business groups in all three countries are urging leaders to extend the agreement, claiming cross-border trade boosts economic growth. But many conservatives see it differently: America should not be handcuffed to trade rules that give foreign countries an edge over U.S. manufacturers.
The American People Will Have a Voice
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is holding three days of public hearings from December 3–5, gathering insight from more than 100 stakeholders. This input will shape the administration’s position heading into the 2026 review.
For millions of Americans who supported President Trump because he fights for fair trade and strong borders, this renewed examination of USMCA signals something important: The days of one-sided trade deals are over. For the first time in decades, America is putting its own workers, industries, and families at the center of the conversation.