Press Secretary Spicer suggested imposing a twenty percent tax on imports from Mexico but failed to offer further details on how the import tax would be implemented. After a negative reaction from people across the political and business spectrum, Spicer walked back his remarks saying the twenty percent tax plan was not a policy proposal but "one idea" that could fund the border wall.
Representative Nevárez called the twenty percent tariff proposal reckless.
"It is irresponsible to test out policy ideas in the media without first considering the profound impact on American consumers and the economy. Businesses are preparing for the worst; so without even implementing the policy, proposing it has already had a negative impact." He went on to say, "The economic burden would fall especially hard on the constituents and businesses of House District 74 relying heavily on trade from Mexico. Furthermore, the United States cannot impose a Mexican import tariff under NAFTA rules."