Trump Buffoonery and NAFTA

Donald Trump, is that anyway to act on the presidential stage?

Recall that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a product of diplomatic negotiations dating back to 1990 among the three nations, U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas.  They spearheaded and promoted the agreement which was ceremonially signed on December 17, 1992. The agreement then needed to be ratified by each nation's legislative or parliamentary branch.

It was passed onto Bill Clinton's administration for approval following Congressional action.

The House of Representatives passed the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act on November 17, 1993, 234-200. The agreement's supporters included 132 Republicans and 102 Democrats. The bill passed the Senate on November 20, 1993, 61-38.[6] Senate supporters were 34 Republicans and 27 Democrats.

One could say that this was a Republican-led initiative that was ultimately accepted by a Democrat president.

Upon further review, NAFTA has done more good than harm. However, it is surely time for review and revision as most agreements and laws are eventually revisited.

What makes Trump's approach alarming and disruptive is his unnecessary bravado and hostility that accomplishes nothing in the absence of diplomatic tenor.

"Trump says he will renegotiate or withdraw from NAFTA 

Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will demand a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
If those other countries refuse the renegotiation, Trump said he would withdraw from the trade pact, which would cause tariffs on imports from those countries and exports from the United States to rise." 

The Hill

Photo credit: Robyn Beck / APA / AFP