Trump Will Act on Nafta, TPP ‘Very Shortly,’ Spokesman Says

Image
Kevin Dietsch/Pool via Bloomberg News

President-elect Donald Trump won’t wait for Congress to confirm trade officials to act on his promises to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and give notice he will renegotiate Nafta, press secretary Sean Spicer said.

Trump will act "very shortly" after his inauguration to fulfill those promises, Spicer told reporters Jan. 19. Spicer declined to say whether Trump will issue specific executive orders immediately after taking office Friday, Jan. 20 "versus Monday or Tuesday."

In a video in November, Trump said he would withdraw from the TPP pact, which hasn’t been ratified, on "Day One." He called the trade deal "a potential disaster for our country."

Trump also repeatedly promised during his campaign to notify leaders of Mexico and Canada of his intent to renegotiate Nafta or, if they are unwilling to do so, withdraw.