Former Deputy National Security Advisor Steve Yates has become a vocal advocate for President Donald Trump’s fentanyl-related tariffs on China, following the tragic loss of his daughter to the drug. Yates, who joined the Fox & Friends broadcast to discuss the matter, praised Trump’s approach as a necessary step in combating the opioid crisis. He emphasized that the policy, which imposes tariffs on Chinese imports linked to fentanyl, represents a significant shift in U.S. drug policy.
Yates outlined how the tariff policy could impact global supply chains and international relations, particularly in light of the anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He believes the two leaders’ discussions on fentanyl may yield a collaborative approach to address the cross-border flow of the drug. However, he also warned of the potential economic consequences, such as increased prices for consumers and businesses, which could affect the U.S. market and trade relationships with other nations.
Yates’s comments come amid a broader debate over the effectiveness of trade policies in combating drug trafficking. While he supports Trump’s strategy, some economists argue that the tariffs may not address the root causes of the opioid epidemic and could lead to unintended consequences, such as shifting drug production to other regions. The outcome of the Trump-Xi meeting remains a critical focal point for global drug policy discussions.