Lindsey Graham Rips Trump's 20% Mexican Tax: 'Mucho Sad'

Sen. Lindsey Graham Thursday blasted as "mucho sad" President Donald Trump's consideration of a 20 percent tax on products coming into the United States from Mexico to pay for a wall he authorized Wednesday to end illegal immigration.

Graham, the South Carolina Republican, posted his thoughts on Twitter:

Border security yes, tariffs no. Mexico is 3rd largest trading partner. Any tariff we can levy they can levy. Huge barrier to econ growth /1

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 26, 2017

Simply put, any policy proposal which drives up costs of Corona, tequila, or margaritas is a big-time bad idea. Mucho Sad. (2)

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 26, 2017

White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters Thursday aboard Air Force One that Trump has discussed the possible tariff with congressional leaders and wanted to include the measure in a broader tax-reform package.

The tax would generate $10 billion a year and "easily pay for the wall," he said.

Trump signed executive orders Wednesday jump-starting the building of the wall at the U.S. border with Mexico and targeting federal funding for sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with the government on immigration efforts.

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas also raised concerns about Trump's 20 percent tax idea:

Many unanswered questions about proposed "border adjustment" tax

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) January 26, 2017

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse also ripped the tax:

Tariffs are a tax on American families.

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) January 26, 2017

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